Xeroradiography

Description

An x-ray radiographic method in which an x-ray image is recorded using the Xerox® photocopying process. 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. . N.B. Such equipments are no more marketed.

Synonyms and Related Terms

xero-radiography; xeroradiographie (Fr.)

Resources and Citations

• A. Middleton, J. Lang, Radiography of cultural material, 2nd edition, London, Butterworth – Heinemann (2005)

• 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.

• Pat Griffin, Submitted information