Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
In archaeological studies of ceramic materials, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are needed to better understand the nature and evolution of ceramic fabrication techniques [1] and even to authenticate ancient ceramics [2]. The desired data are similar to those sought in modern fine ceramics, especially advanced structural ceramics [3]. X-ray imaging technologies, developed to characterize structural ceramics, were applied to three samples, a modern and two archaeological ceramics, in order to obtain fabrication information. They were imaged using various X-ray image receivers: electrostatic receivers (Xeroradiography Xerox 125 and 175, Xerox Medical Systems, Pasadena CA), photostimulable phosphors (Fuji Photo Film Co., Japan, 1985 Prototype System FCR-101), and high-resolution industrial X-ray film (Kodak, Rochester, N.Y.). Ultrasound and dye penetrants had failed to reveal methods of manufacture in the ancient ceramics because of their highly porous fabric (1).