Development of a system for neutron radiography and tomography

Abstract

Neutron radiography and tomography are getting more and more popular. Since they use the white thermal neutron spectrum, they are especially feasible even at small neutron sources, where the flux is too low for efficient scattering experiments requiring monochromatization of the beam. High-end tomography systems require the investment of several ten thousand Euros, with the costs often hindering the initiative for a new tomography setup. Based on the experiences gathered at Technische Universitaet Muenchen, we developed a cheaper system based on standard components that cannot compete with the sensitivity of a high-grade system, but is perfectly capable of doing neutron radiography and tomography. The system is meant as a startup construction kit for initiating tomography programs even at small neutron sources. The system is built from scratch, enabling the user to gain an understanding for the influence of each component on the image results. With the experience thus gained, he should be able to design his next and more advanced system by himself. To keep the whole system simple and cheap (the price should reach only a few percent of a high-end system), standard parts are used whenever possible, and all components are designed in such a way that they can be built without special equipment. Public domain and freeware software is used for data processing. Such a system is being built at FRM2 in Garching within the scope of a master thesis. After completion, a website will be installed with descriptions, diagrams and software for building and operating the system. Both hardware and software are discussed.