Abstract
Neutron Imaging (NI) has been developed in the last decades from a film-based inspection method for non-destructive observations towards a powerful research tool with many new and competitive methods. The most important technical step forward has been the introduction and optimization of digital imaging detection systems. In this way, direct quantification of the transmission process became possible—the basis for all advanced methods like tomography, phase-contrast imaging and neutron microscopy. Neutron imaging facilities need to be installed at powerful neutron sources (reactors, spallation sources, other accelerator driven systems). High neutron intensity can be used best for either highest spatial, temporal resolution or best image quality. Since the number of such strong sources is decreasing world-wide due to the age of the reactors, the number of NI facilities is limited. There are a few installations with pioneering new concepts and versatile options on the one hand, but also relatively new sources with only limited performance thus far. It will be a challenge to couple the two parts of the community with the aim to install state-of-the-art equipment at the suitable beam ports and develop NI further towards a general research tool. In addition, sources with lower intensity should be equipped with modern installations in order to perform practical work best.
Highlights
After the discovery of the neutron by J
We have a set of about 15 installations seen to be “state-of-the-art” and the large number of facilities with suboptimal layout and performance. This potential should be used in order to develop neutron imaging (NI) towards a routine inspection method and a very suitable research tool for many applications
Using stroboscopic setup repetitive processes can be be observed with about 10,000 rpm while multiple projection of one sample during rotation enables observed with about 10,000 rpm while multiple projection of one sample during rotation enables the the current method of neutron tomography on a routine level
Summary
After the discovery of the neutron by J. The breakthrough in neutron radiography was achieved when dedicated beams from a research reactor were used and the exposure time was in the order of minutes only. This paper gives the overview about the current situation in the field of neutron imaging with respect to facilities and their instrumentation. We have a set of about 15 installations seen to be “state-of-the-art” and the large number of facilities with suboptimal layout and performance. This potential should be used in order to develop neutron imaging (NI) towards a routine inspection method and a very suitable research tool for many applications. The outlook of the paper describes the currently available methodological features and gives a prospect to new installations and potential upgrades in the world-wide context
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