Application of a robotic THz imaging system for sub-surface analysis of ancient human remains

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 4;9(1):3390. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-40211-7.

Abstract

We used a robotic-based THz imaging system to investigate the sub-surface structure of an artificially mummified ancient Egyptian human left hand. The results obtained are compared to the results of a conventional CT and a micro-CT scan. Using such a robotic THz system promises new insights into the sub-surface structure of human remains. The depth resolution of the THz images exceeds the resolution of a conventional CT scan and is comparable with a micro-CT scan. The advantage of THz measurements over micro-CT scans is the fact that even comparatively large samples, like complete bodies, can be scanned. These would not fit into a conventional micro-CT scanner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Egypt
  • Hand / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Mummies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Robotics / methods*
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods*