Xeroradiography

Description

An x-ray radiographic method in which an x-ray image is recorded using the Xerox® photocopying process (Middleton and Lang 1997). Xeroradiography records an image on a charged photoconducting plate. The xeroradiography plates are charged immediately before use with a corona discharge from a high voltage wire. X-rays discharge the plates surface directly proportional to their exposure intensity, thus forming an image of the object. Light, however, will also discharge the plates so the plates must be kept in the dark until they are developed. As in photocopying, the image is developed with a powder toner that is attracted to the electrical charge. The image is fixed with heat. Xeroradiographic images exhibit edge effects that enhance boundaries and fine details. Although not many labs have xeroradiography equipment, it has been found useful for the examination of ceramics, bones and wooden objects.

Synonyms and Related Terms

xero-radiography; xeroradiographie (Fr.)

Additional Information

° A.Middleton, J.Lang, "Radiography - Theory and Practice" Radiography of Cultural Material, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1997.

° W.A. Ellingson, P.B. Vandiver, T.K. Robinson, and J.J. Lobick, "Radiographic Imaging Technologies for Archaeological Ceramics," in E.V. Sayre, P.B. Vandiver, J.R. Druzik and C. Stevenson, Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology(Pittsburgh: Materials Research Society, 1988, pp. 25-32.

° P. Vandiver, W.A. Ellingson, T.K. Robinson, J.J. Lobick , and F.H. Seguin, New Applications of X-radiographic Imaging Technologies for Archaeological Ceramics, Archaeomaterials 5:2, 1991, pp.185-207.

Authority

• External source or communication Comment: Submitted information from Pat Griffin