3D laser scanning can be achieved via a variety of techniques:
(See also DC 2008 Paper by Ryan Baumann.)
Photogrammetry encompasses a number of different techniques which reconstruct 3D information from 2D photographs.
CT scanning involves computing a 3D model from a number of X-ray projections taken around an object. Due to the nature of this technique, contrasts in a typical CT scan will correspond to contrasts in the material's X-ray absorption properties. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computed_tomography
MRI relies on the principal of introducing and imaging magnetic spin of specific isotopes, particularly Hydrogen. Due to the properties of MRI, this is typically most suitable for liquids ("solution-state") and MRI of solid materials is relatively difficult (though higher fields and short T2 times, as well as developing techniques such as MAFS/MARF may enable non-destructive MRI of solid materials). As a result, it is highly suitable to certain applications (i.e. medical imaging, due to the prevalence of water in the human body) but its application to imaging of archaeological artifacts is sparse. A non-metallic object could in theory be imaged with MRI by immersing it in water before imaging to obtain a negative image of water permeation, but this is unlikely to be suitable for cultural artifacts.
Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) or Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) involves taking multiple images of an object under different lighting conditions, e.g. multiple raking light positions. These are then combined and stored in a single image such that the light can be manipulated while viewing, or processing can be applied to bring out details. Its combination of low cost, high resolution, ease of use, high portability, and ability to capture fine incisions in surfaces has led to it being used for imaging a number of cultural heritage artifacts, including the Antikythera Mechanism. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynomial_texture_mapping
See this post to the RTI_Help mailing list for an explanation of the history of the terms "PTM" and "RTI".
Multispectral/hyperspectral imaging involves capturing a material's spectral reflectance across a wider/finer range of the electromagnetic spectrum than a typical RGB image. This information can be used to more accurately reproduce color (avoiding metameric failures), distinguish between or classify inks, or be fed to image processing algorithms for visualization. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multispectral_image
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a spectroscopy technique wherein an object is exposed to high-energy X-rays and imaged for characteristic fluorescence of specific elements.
Researchers at Cornell have used XRF to reveal trace elements left in incised text by painting, environmental exposure, or chisel work: