APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE INSPECTION OF SOLID BODIES BY MUON IMAGING

Muons, generated by the interaction of cosmic rays with the Earth’s atmosphere, can penetrate dense materials. By measuring muon absorption, information is obtained on the density distribution within massive structures, uncovering voids or anomalies. Muon tomography, which combines observations from different angles, produces 3D images with high spatial resolution. The use of Cherenkov detectors improves the signal-to-noise ratio. This method finds applications in civil engineering, archaeology, volcanology and other areas where non-invasive inspection of large structures is necessary

How does it work?

The invention relates to a non-invasive inspection method called muon imaging, similar to medical radiography, which uses muons instead of X-rays. Muons are particles generated by the interaction of cosmic rays with the Earth’s atmosphere and can penetrate dense materials. By measuring muon absorption, information can be obtained on the density distribution within massive structures, such as uncovering voids or anomalies.

Muon tomography, which combines observations from different angles, makes it possible to obtain 3D images with high spatial resolution. The use of Cherenkov detectors for muonic radiographs represents a significant progress, improving the signal-to-noise ratio. This method has multiple applications in civil engineering, archaeology, volcanology, and other areas where non-invasive inspection of large structures is necessary.

Applications

• Non-invasive geological prospecting (e.g. Volcanoes, Water pockets inside hills or embankments, even of considerable size);
• Non-invasive monitoring of civil structures (e.g. Nuclear power plants, Radioactive material containment and storage systems, Heavy mineral deposits);
• Non-invasive archaeological research (e.g. Survey of archaeological sites for buried structures, X-ray of the internal structure of pyramids).

Advantages

• High resolution images (4.5 m – typical);
• High contrast for both high and low target densities in relation to the average density of the massive structure;
• Resolution of targets within massive structures with diameters of the order of km of rock;
• Elimination of the back-flux problem present in muography obtained with the traditional methods.