Imaging the inside of thick structures using cosmic rays

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel imaging technique using cosmic-ray muons to visualize the interior of thick structures, demonstrated on a mock-up wall and aimed at applications like heritage site preservation.

Contribution

It presents a new method called 'multiple scattering muon radiography' for imaging dense, thick structures using cosmic-ray muons, validated through experimental demonstration.

Findings

Effective imaging of thick structures achieved

Demonstrated viability on a mock-up wall

Potential application to heritage sites like Florence Cathedral

Abstract

The authors present here a new method to image reinforcement elements inside thick structures and the results of a demonstration measurement performed on a mock-up wall built at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The method, referred to as "multiple scattering muon radiography", relies on the use of cosmic-ray muons as probes. The work described in this article was performed to prove the viability of the technique as a means to image the interior of the dome of Florence Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and among the highest profile buildings in existence. Its result shows the effectiveness of the technique as a tool to radiograph thick structures and image denser object inside them.