Neutron Beam Shaping by Ghost Projection

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel neutron beam shaping technique called ghost projection, enabling precise, on-demand beam customization for applications in cultural heritage, electronics testing, and medical therapies.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental implementation of ghost projection for neutron beams, allowing arbitrary image projection with a single universal mask.

Findings

Successfully demonstrated neutron beam shaping with ghost projection

Achieved targeted dose delivery for sensitive samples

Enabled flexible beam customization for various applications

Abstract

We present a method to shape a neutron beam and project any specified target image using a single universal patterned mask that is transversely displaced. The method relies on ``ghost projection'', which is a reversed form of classical ghost imaging. A set of sub-mask regions that combine to construct the required beam shape is computed; illumination of each region with the determined exposure time projects the shaped beam. We demonstrate this method experimentally, using the Dingo neutron imaging beamline at the OPAL nuclear research reactor (Australia). The ability to shape a neutron beam ``on demand'' allows selective dose delivery away from sensitive areas of samples, such as in cultural heritage artifacts. It also benefits irradiation techniques, e.g., in testing resilience of electronic components for space and defense technologies or neutron therapies.