Current Status of Neutron Radiography in Thailand

Abstract

For the past few years, neutron imaging in Thailand has been dramatically developed since the IAEA Coordinated Research Project titled »Application of Two and Three Dimensional Neutron Imaging with focus on Cultural Heritage Research« was initiated and Thailand is among the participating countries. In order to preserve the original characters of cultural heritage for our future generations, it is significant to perform all investigations on objects non-destructively. Neutron imaging serves to meet the requirement. Neutron imaging of several objects has been performed at TRR-1/M1 using the conventional film method and reusable imaging plates. Even the facility has been operated for more than two decades; the current status is still under development. Several difficulties including the lack of a neutron camera and its components lead to the situation that 3D neutron imaging is likely impossible to achieve. (Editor's note: The components have been procured by now.) In the early state, however, a digital SLR camera assembled with an in-house light-tight-box and a prototype computer controlled rotary table were set up for the analysis of a Buddha sculpture. Subsequently, the first near real-time digital neutron imaging was established in Thailand in 2012. Furthermore, the combination image of neutrons and X-rays provides complete inner structure information that helps to better understand the past manufacturing technology as well as to obtain an appropriate conservation method. The authentication approval and relative dating method using a structural profile along with elemental analysis by INAA and XRF will be studied further to implement the cultural heritage interpretation. In order to achieve 3D imaging capability, the current neutron imaging facility is scheduled for upgrading in various aspects including exposure station, shielding wall, collimator and beam shutter. In parallel to the upgrade of the hardware, image reconstruction techniques and software are currently investigated and optimized to fulfil the information that is difficult to achieve by 2D neutron imaging. The upgraded facility (hardware and software) will not only contribute to research and advanced applications of neutron imaging technique in Thailand, but will also contribute to human resource development in the area of neutron imaging technology in this region. In addition, with the upgraded facility it will be further possible to establish routine approaches for archaeological service and wide range of applications.