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| Home > Publications database > Muon Imaging Present Status and Emerging Applications |
| Book | FZJ-2024-01039 |
2023
IAEA
Vienna
Abstract: X ray, neutron and gamma radiography have been widely used in industry as non-destructivetesting methods for industrial quality control and to assess the safety and integrity of structuresand components. These techniques use reasonably intense, artificial radiation sources (smallaccelerators or sealed isotopic sources) in laboratories and at industrial sites. Muonradiography, which is based on cosmic rays, is an alternative for certain applications that doesnot require artificial sources of ionizing radiation, and so is without regulatory constraints.High energy primary cosmic ray particles (mainly protons) interact with the nuclei composingthe Earth’s upper atmosphere to produce copious numbers of charged pi-mesons, which decayinto muons. Muons are similar to electrons in that they are elementary particles but withapproximately 200 times the mass. They interact with matter mainly through electromagneticforce and are easily capable of reaching the Earth’s surface. All other high energy chargedparticles, as well as gamma rays, are effectively shielded by the atmosphere so that muonsrepresent the vast majority of charged cosmic rays at the Earth’s surface.Some muons can penetrate hundreds of metres of rock and so can be used as a highlypenetrating, non-destructive natural probe. Muons can be readily used for imaging in situationswhere days or more of exposure time are available. Various techniques have been developedthat aim to measure the attenuation, transmission or scattering of the muon flux. Using these,information concerning the composition and dimensions of the materials encountered can beestimated.Numerous potential applications have been identified — ranging from examination of modernand ancient built environments, volcanology and industry, to nuclear security and safeguards— that have attracted attention around the world. This international interest led to a TechnicalMeeting held in Vienna in 2019, which was attended by 28 participants from 14 Member Statesand a representative from the European Commission. This publication is the output of thatmeeting.
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