LONDON, UK: Now checking if a document is fake or real has become easier with a new scanner, which can even analyse ancient scrolls.

"Using the Oxford scanner will be like moving from using a dark room to using a modern digital camera. We can use it to detect what is currently invisible and make it visible," said Paul Westwood, managing director of Forensic Document Services, a forensic document company.

Oxford University's Oxford Multi Spectral Limited (OMSL) will focus on the restoration of manuscripts and art, as well as the huge potential market for detecting forged security and border control documents, bank notes and forensic evidence.

The device combines desktop scanner with a powerful lab imaging device to detect forged documents as well as scan, restore and archive over a quarter of a million historically significant manuscripts.

Westwood explained the Oxford scanner could be used to analyse a huge variety of samples, including counterfeit and altered documents, according to an OMSL statement.

"The compact design and powerful imaging and analysis will be of great benefit to document examiners worldwide," said Westwood.