Most probable trajectory of a muon in a scattering medium, when input and output trajectories are known

Abstract

Tomographic imaging using cosmic ray muons has a range of applications including homeland security and geological imaging. To this end, we have developed a technique to calculate the most probable muon trajectory through a scattering material, given its measured entry and exit trajectories. This method has the potential to improve tomographic algorithms, in particular by replacing the muon paths assumed by the Point Of Closest Approach (POCA) method, with more realistic paths. These paths can be calculated for arbitary matter distributions, rather than just the point scatterers assumed by POCA.