Muon Tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes muons, which are elementary particles similar to electrons but with a much greater mass. These particles are created when cosmic rays collide with the Earth's atmosphere and are capable of penetrating dense materials like rock and metal. By detecting and analyzing the scattering and absorption of muons as they pass through an object, researchers can create detailed images of its internal structure.
The underlying principle is based on the fact that muons lose energy and are deflected when they interact with matter. The data collected from multiple muon detectors allows for the reconstruction of three-dimensional images using algorithms similar to those in traditional X-ray computed tomography. This technique has valuable applications in various fields, including archaeology for scanning ancient structures, nuclear security for detecting hidden materials, and geology for studying volcanic activity.
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