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Neutron Imaging

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Neutron Methods for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Part of the book series: Neutron Scattering Applications and Techniques ((NEUSCATT))

Abstract

Neutron imaging is a non-destructive experimental method, which allows for revealing of the inner structure of the investigated objects. The high-penetration depth of the neutron beam in metal and rock materials in combination with the high-sensitivity to light-elements like hydrogen, lithium and boron determines the complimentary of the method to the wide spread X-ray and synchrotron imaging. In modern archaeology and paleontology neutron radiography and tomography are mainly applied for investigations of large scale samples, detection of organic materials and inspection of the level of degradation. Beside absorption contrast, other contrast mechanisms can be utilized in neutron imaging. Within the last decade, major technique developments included energy selective (monochromatic) imaging, phase-contrast imaging, dark-field (USANS) imaging, polarized neutron imaging, neutron resonance absorption imaging and diffraction contrast imaging. The latter, often also referred to as Bragg edge imaging, is based on energy selection by a monochromator or by time of flight and can be regarded as a powerful tool for applications in cultural heritage and archaeology.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Helmholtz-Zentrum-Berlin, 14109, Berlin, Germany

    N. Kardjilov & I. Manke

  2. Paul-Scherrer- Institute, Villigen, Switzerland

    E. Lehmann

  3. ESS Lund, Lund, Sweden

    M. Strobl & R. Woracek

Authors
  1. N. Kardjilov
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  2. E. Lehmann
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  3. M. Strobl
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  4. R. Woracek
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  5. I. Manke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Kardjilov .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Applied Materials, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Nikolay Kardjilov

  2. Physics Department, NAST Centre, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Giulia Festa

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Kardjilov, N., Lehmann, E., Strobl, M., Woracek, R., Manke, I. (2017). Neutron Imaging. In: Kardjilov, N., Festa, G. (eds) Neutron Methods for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Neutron Scattering Applications and Techniques. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33163-8_16

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