The instruments
Imaging Lab
The Scripta/Spectra Lab operates a growing suite of imaging and motion-capture instruments for documenting inscriptions and studying the act of writing itself. We are glad to image inscriptions for colleagues and institutions — use the form below to arrange a visit.
What we have installed
Hyperspectral camera (VIS–NIR)
A hyperspectral imaging camera covering the visible to near-infrared range, capturing a full spectrum at every pixel — used to enhance the legibility of faded or invisible ink and to characterize writing materials from a single scan.
Multispectral high-resolution camera
A high-resolution multispectral camera for detailed, portable documentation of ostraca, papyri, and other inscribed surfaces across selected spectral bands.
PenCapture handwriting recording
Software to record handwriting kinematics during controlled writing experiments — capturing the dynamics of the hand (speed, pressure, timing) that underlie our models of scribal movement and script evolution. Get Pen Capture on the App Store →
Natural-writing surface for ostraca & papyri in development
We are developing a recording surface that lets scribes write on ostraca and papyri in a natural way while capturing the characteristics of the writing act — bridging modern motion capture and ancient writing media.
Document your inscriptions
Have an inscription you would like documented? Send the details to our lab manager, Hanan Cohen, and we will get back to you to arrange imaging.
Hanan Cohen
A multi-talented person with almost no formal academic education — a photographer, information specialist, archivist, and web developer, with broad knowledge and hands-on experience across all things technical.