Multispectral Imaging

[Bikewer]

From the redoubtable Fark.com:


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002284845_texts23.html

The technology is apparently allowing researchers to read previously-undecipherable bits and fragments of manuscripts and such, including Sophocles and some "non-Canonical" gospels.

Interesting.

[Orangutan]

"No one knows exactly why it produces the results it does," Obbink said of the technology.

I think what he's saying here is that thay don't know exactly which chemicals in the aincient ink are absorbing the specific wavelength of light that's enableing them to get enough contrast to make out the texts. as supported by the further explination...

Multispectral imaging uses digital cameras equipped with a kind of revolving Lazy Susan of light filters that isolate the waveband at which the obscured ink contrasts most vividly with the dark background of the papyrus

But the first quote made the guy sound like an idiot and was probably taken out of context. hehe. stupid scientist bumbling around till the stumble on something, hehe.

Any way,

Yes really interesting, I'd love to read more of the text they are uncovering.

O.
:)

PS isn't "revolving Lazy Susan" a tautology? A non-revolving one is just a table isn't it?