The contrast scale of minerals for neutron tomography of paleontologic and geologic objects

Abstract

Neutron tomography is considered as an alternative to X-ray tomography in the study of paleontologic and geologic objects. Based on experimental data, a contrast scale of minerals and rocks, including those present in paleontologic objects, has been constructed for neutron tomography. Examples of application of neutron tomography of geologic objects are given, and the potentialities of the above methods are compared.

Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography of Paleontological Objects on the Facilities of the Kurchatov Institute

“…It is possible to clarify the details of the structure of the shells important for a systematic description of new structures. For this kind of composition of the specimens, the images obtained by synchrotron and the neutron tomography are similar in accordance to [5].…”

“…In addition to the early X-ray scale of contrast of minerals and rocks [4] an analogous neutron scale has been constructed [5]. Comparison of these two scales shows four possible cases for any pair of minerals and rocks which can compose a fossil: the pair is distinguishable only in X-ray radiation, the pair is distinguishable only in neutrons, the pair is distinguishable in both types of radiation, and the pair is indistinguishable in both types of radiation.…”

“…Comparison of these two scales shows four possible cases for any pair of minerals and rocks which can compose a fossil: the pair is distinguishable only in X-ray radiation, the pair is distinguishable only in neutrons, the pair is distinguishable in both types of radiation, and the pair is indistinguishable in both types of radiation. So, the scales [4,5] can be useful for the purpose of optimal planning of tomographic study. Brachiopod shells, skeletal remains of extinct echinoderms, fossil plants have been also studied [5,6].…”

“…So, the scales [4,5] can be useful for the purpose of optimal planning of tomographic study. Brachiopod shells, skeletal remains of extinct echinoderms, fossil plants have been also studied [5,6]. The tomography facilities on the Kurchatov synchrotron radiation source and the IR-8 research reactor are used [7,8].…”

Automatic Recognition of Palaeobios Images Under Microscope Based on Machine Learning

“…By observing the paleontological characteristics of different paleontological species or their combinations under microscope, the category of palaeobios can be determined, and the ages and environments that they existed in can be elucidated. It is an important indicator of the biological evolution history, and can be used for the exploration of oil gas resources and mineral resources [11]. However, the identification and classification of palaeobios under microscope is a complicated and time-consuming task.…”