X-ray micro computed tomography in cultural heritage
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Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Microfocus X-ray CT microCT Imaging of Actinia equina Cnidaria, Harmothoe sp. Annelida, and Xenoturbella japonica Xenacoelomorpha
Published on: August 6, 2019
Abstract:
X-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) can reveal the internal structure of several types of objects by exploiting differences in their X-ray absorption. It can: provide information about the objects' relative composition and density without taking any samples or causing any damage; reveal invisible defects, cracks or damage; show if there are any inclusions and if the object is a single piece or is made of different parts joined together; and, uncover methods of construction and even show if repairs and additions have been made. For this reason, it has increasingly been used in archaeology and cultural heritage.
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