Neutron tomography

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Neutron tomography (NT) or neutron computed tomography (NCT) is a radiographic procedure used in neutron optics . It is used to create sectional images using neutron beams ( neutron scattering ) and is physically comparable to computed tomography (CT).

As far as the high-contrast penetration of metals and thin, water-containing samples is concerned, the NT is an ideal complement to classic radiology and X-ray technology. Like this, it works non-destructively , but puts less strain on the body. It is also already being used in palaeontology , including examining dinosaur bones .

With CT, X-rays are sent through the sample to be examined, while with NT they are neutrons with adequate energy. X-rays are suitable for thick organic samples - such as x-raying the human body because they are hardly subject to scattering. Neutron radiography, on the other hand, can image thin layers of organic substances or other hydrogen-containing samples with very high contrast because the neutrons are already strongly scattered by light atoms such as hydrogen . On the other hand, neutrons can easily cross most metals , while X-rays are strongly absorbed and therefore do not provide an image of the interior of the sample.

The tomography with neutron rays is therefore also in the material technology used, and forms with its cross-sectional process, the nuclide from; In comparison, X-ray tomography shows the distribution of the electron density in the examination subject.

Neutron tomography examinations with thermal (slow) neutrons are particularly suitable for examining smaller objects - from checking for hairline cracks in small components to routine testing of turbine blades in engines, while fast (higher-energy) neutrons are used for very thick-walled objects.

Web links

Wiktionary: Neutron tomography  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations