Advanced imaging techniques: A new deal for neutron physics

Abstract

Among non-destructive evaluations and methodologies—the important set of analyses which preserve the integrity of the tested object—neutron imaging techniques, and neutron computerized tomography in particular, represent powerful tools. Although they have been considered more an amusement for scientists rather than an effective tool for engineers until few years ago, it can be stated that they can now provide valuable quantitative results in many circumstances of interest, being the only available choice in some specific cases. This wider interest and the attempt to give neutron imaging a certain prominence reflect themselves in the birth of an international group of people involved in the field of neutron research; the so-called ENRWG (European Neutron Radiography Working Group). Connected to a general interest and a diffuse curiosity in the fascinating interactive world of INTERNET there is also the possibility, since last year, to get information about neutron radiography state of the art and current projects from a free-access WWW site. As a consequence of these fervent activities, a new deal in studies of advanced materials, sources, detectors and algorithms is now growing to promote and to develop the capabilities of neutron imaging techniques after a long period during which the interest in neutron physics and in their applications was limited to selected specialists involved in the nuclear-energy production. The results of this effort will not be limited to improved technological processes, but will include an improved knowledge in relevant fields of nuclear and material science.