Digitization of cultural assets

The cipher machine SG-41 is considered the successor to the Army Enigma decryption devices.

Digitization is intended to assist researchers in the seamless reconstruction of the encryption algorithm without having to physically open the valuable device.

The Me 163 Messerschmitt is the only mass-produced rocket fighter. This aircraft was the largest scan object to date in the high-energy hall of the institute.

The 1938 BMW Wendler is an example of engineers' efforts to make cars faster. It represents the state of aerodynamics and lightweight construction of that time.

The hunting rifle comes from the private collection of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and was one of the first X-ray images in 1895. 120 years after the initial examination, researchers at Fraunhofer EZRT repeated the X-ray studies - using the latest technology.

The X-ray technological examinations by Fraunhofer EZRT revealed that the movement dates back to Peter Henlein's time by type, but the clock itself was assembled only in the 19th century. Thus, it is a "compilation" of older and newer components.

The Benin Bronzes pose a particular challenge for X-ray technology: The copper alloy is highly absorptive to X-ray radiation in the conventional energy range.

Using state-of-the-art 3D CT, the sound box of the valuable cello was precisely measured to check the fit of the recently restored lining.

The examination focused on the functionality of the internal gear mechanism. It aimed to determine whether the sun pointer actually serves the purpose indicated by the inscription.

The 3D CT examination of the artwork was intended to provide information about the exact composition and arrangement of the paint layers.

On behalf of the Kunsthalle Würth, a cup approximately 450 years old was X-rayed. The data generated were needed for the production of an authentic replica of the cup.

Through the high-resolution three-dimensional recordings, experts can examine the valuable instrument in depth, independent of time and location.

As part of the research project "Big Picture," a mummy originating from Peru was examined using 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT). A challenge was the resulting huge dataset.

The X-ray examination was intended to determine whether objects such as bones and paper remnants are present in the glass sealed with wax.

With the help of the XXL-CT system, the Roman lorica segmentata could be scanned non-destructively – and the results are impressive.

In 2013, researchers from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands, excavated one of the best-preserved T-Rex finds of all time in the state of Montana, USA.