Imaging the inside of thick structures using cosmic rays

A groundbreaking technique, multiple scattering muon radiography, has proven effective for imaging dense reinforcement elements within thick structures. This method leverages cosmic-ray muons to penetrate and map internal features, offering a non-invasive tool for examining complex architectural elements. Demonstrated on a mock-up wall at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the approach shows promise for application in high-profile cultural heritage sites, such as the dome of Florence Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings validate cosmic-ray muon radiography as a powerful means to investigate thick structures without causing damage, advancing both conservation science and architectural analysis.

Guardincerri, E., Durham, J. M., Morris, C., Bacon, J. D., Daughton, T. M., Fellows, S., Morley, D. J., Johnson, O. R., Plaud-Ramos, K., Poulson, D. C., & Wang, Z. (2016). Imaging the inside of thick structures using cosmic rays. AIP Advances, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4940897