After collaborating with Princeton University Geologist Adam Maloof on the Trezona Fossil reconstruction project, Situ recieved grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop an instrument that would section and image not only fossil specimens, but any sort of dense material which might conceal precious objects buried within. GIRI, the outcome of this research, is a contemporary iteration of a simple serial sectioning instrument that grinds away layer after layer of sample, revealing, and in this case recording, sequential cross sections which can subsequently be used to reconstruct and model features of interest.
In order to record these cross sections, Situ integrated a DT RCam – a medium format 80 megapixel camera – directly onto a CNC precision grinding machine. This ultra-high resolution reprographic camera, equipped with vibration reducing leaf lens technology, is normally used to archive precious library collections, and in this case allows GIRI to image serial sections in 48 bit color with detail as fine as 5 microns (see images above). Optical targets such as the one shown in the image below were used to measure the camera sensitivity. The same methodology is used when calibrating satellite cameras.
Collaborators
Professor Adam Maloof
Dept. of Geosciences, Princeton University
Click here to learn more about this project.
Contact Us:
Division of Cultural Heritage
Peter Siegel
[email protected]
1.877.f/ortless (367-8537) x2280