Remote-sensing, Non-destructive, and Computed-tomography-assisted Thermometry by Neutron Resonance Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

We applied the method of neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy to thermometric measurements of a bulk object. Through an analysis of the resonance absorption spectrum of imbedded neutron-absorbing nuclides, the “effective temperature”, which coincides with the actual local temperature near and above room temperature, can be determined. If a thermal gradient exists, computed tomography techniques could be used in conjunction with the analysis for a reconstruction of the temperature distribution over a planar cross-sectional area. We find that the experimental data agree with the temperature profile calculated from the heat conduction equations. The measurements were carried out using the neutron resonance absorption spectrometer DOG of KENS, Japan. The overall results demonstrated the feasibility of this method for industrial applications where remote-sensing and non-destructive temperature mapping of bulk objects is necessary.