KEYENCE VHX-7000 is Helping Archaeologists Improve Their Understanding of the Ancient World

Tuesday, 2 May 2023

The Archaeology Department of the University of Liverpool has carried out two ground-breaking projects that have improved our understanding of how human culture developed in ancient times.

Playing a key role in that research has been the KEYENCE VHX-7000 Series Digital Microscope. The VHX-7000 was used to gather information on the different kinds of corrosion found on the mirrors. Elizabeth Thomas (Archaeology PhD student at the University of Liverpool) felt it was important to see the different layers in the mirrors and how they were made, which was not possible using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) where image delivery was in grayscale.

In addition, the digital microscope made stitching images a straightforward process, whereas an SEM would require image stitching to be carried out manually using separate software.

The VHX-7000 also eliminated the need for preparing samples – an SEM requires them to be secured on to a stand, as well as being fixed, hydrated, embedded in resin etc. – while the measurement capabilities of the KEYENCE system saved Elizabeth a considerable amount of time as the sample can just be placed on the stage.

“There are many advantages to using the VHX-7000,” says Elizabeth, “and it represents a massive jump in functionality from any previous digital microscopes I’ve used. For example, the flexibility of being able to move the unit’s fully-integrated head around a sample is invaluable. It means that just by tilting the head, it’s possible to create multiple views of the same sample.”

More information about the KEYENCE VHX-7000 Series can be found here – www.keyence.co.uk/AMArchaeology/20230417

Keyence is exhibiting at The Advanced Materials Show on stand 1222.