Synchrotron Radiation and Mobile Technology for Cultural Heritage: New Perspectives with PETRA III, PETRA IV and ENCI

Cultural heritage research is undergoing a transformation—driven by cutting-edge facilities like PETRA III at DESY. This keynote presents recent advances in non-destructive analysis of archaeological and historical artefacts using synchrotron radiation.
PETRA III enables ultra-precise imaging and spectroscopy, already providing new insights into the material composition, manufacturing techniques, and provenance of objects such as ancient cuneiform tablets and complex painted surfaces.
Looking ahead, PETRA IV will offer nanometer-scale resolution, allowing researchers to visualize fine pigment distributions, organic binders, and microstructural ageing processes—opening up new dimensions for archaeometry and conservation science.
These stationary large-scale infrastructures are complemented by ENCI, a mobile high-resolution CT scanner developed with the “Understanding Written Artefacts” cluster. ENCI allows in-situ 3D imaging of fragile objects, such as sealed tablets, in museums or excavation sites—without transport or damage— and has been successfully deployed in Paris and Ankara.
Together, these technologies signal a shift from isolated analyses toward data-driven, integrated approaches to cultural heritage research and preservation.