Advances in Computed Tomography for Geomaterials: GeoX 2010

Neutron Imaging Methods in Geoscience

A. Kaestner — P. Vontobel — E. Lehmann

Spallation neutron source divisionPaul Scherrer InstitutCH-5232 Villigen [e-mail]

ABSTRACT. Neutron imaging is a younger and also less known method than X-ray imaging. Through the different attenuation behavior compared to X-rays this method provides complementary information and may even provide another way to investigate a sample non-destructively. The reasons are due to other contrast relations between different materials and isotopes or that the X-rays are unable to penetrate the sample. The basic principles behind neutron radiography and tomography are explained. Also the main components of a neutron imaging system are described. The two neutron imaging beamlines at Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland, are presented to show the infrastructure and instrument palette that can be found at a state of the art neutron imaging beamline. An outlook is given to show future instrument developments like energy selective imaging and phase contrast enhancement. Finally, a collection of examples illustrates applications from soil physics, nuclear waste deposit planning, and mineralized fossils.

 

KEYWORDS: Neutron imaging, tomography, minerals, soil, fluid movements, complementarity

1. Introduction

Using neutrons for imaging purposes has with the development of advanced detector methods proven to be a successful method of investigation for a wide variety of applications in different ...