Studies of Ancient Russian Cultural Objects Using the Neutron Tomography Method

Abstract

Neutron radiography and tomography is a non-destructive method that provides detailed information about the internal structure of cultural heritage objects. The differences in the neutron attenuation coefficients of constituent elements of the studied objects, as well as the application of modern mathematical algorithms to carry out three-dimensional imaging data analysis, allow one to obtain unique information about the spatial distribution of different phases, the presence of internal defects, or the degree of structural degradation inside valuable cultural objects. The results of the neutron studies of several archaeological objects related to different epochs of the Russian history are reported in order to demonstrate the opportunities provided by the neutron tomography method. The obtained 3D structural volume data, as well as the results of the corresponding data analysis, are presented.

Non-destructive analysis of materials by neutron imaging at the TITAN facility

“…Wide application capability and relevance for scientific research of neutron radiography and tomography methods have become the main motivation for the build-up of a new instrument at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Almaty [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. In 2019, a new experimental station TITAN (Transmission Imaging with ThermAl Neutrons) was put into operation at the research reactor WWR-K, to conduct research on non-destructive testing of materials using neutron radiography and tomography [15][16].…”

Neutron and Synchrotron Imaging Studies of Preservation State of Metal of Cultural Heritage Objects

“…Such information can be used to reconstruct the original appearance of an object, to predict its preservation, and to determine the best restoration and conservation strategy. The special value and often fragility of cultural heritage objects require the use of modern nondestructive testing methods for their examination [2][3][4], such as methods based on the propagation of penetrating radiation, i.e., X-rays, synchrotron radiation and neutron beams. With the help of tomography, due to the different attenuation of the radiation beam when passing through materials of different chemical composition, density, and thickness in the object under study, it is possible to obtain three-dimensional information about the internal structure of the object with a spatial resolution at the micron level.…”

Contribution of neutron tomography to 3D heterogeneity analysis of granitic rocks

“…The fundamental difference in the nature of neutron interaction with matter as compared to X-rays provides additional benefits to neutron methods, including a sensitivity to light elements such as hydrogen-contained mica minerals and high penetration ability (Vontobel et al, 2005). All of these features make neutron tomography an attractive tool with a growing range of applications in industry (Strobl et al, 2009), archaeology (Kichanov, 2018), and geophysics (Vontobel et al, 2005), where providing structural information on the spatial distribution of internal components inside large volumes of rocks is desired.…”