scholarly journals Detectors and Cultural Heritage: The INFN-CHNet Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3462
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Giuntini ◽  
Lisa Castelli ◽  
Mirko Massi ◽  
Mariaelena Fedi ◽  
Caroline Czelusniak ◽  
...  

Detectors are a key feature of the contemporary scientific approach to cultural heritage (CH), both for diagnostics and conservation. INFN-CHNet is the network of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics that develops and applies new instrumentation for the study of CH. This process results in both optimized traditional state-of-the-art and highly innovative detection setups for spectrometric techniques. Examples of the former are X-rays, gamma-rays, visible-light and particles spectrometers tailored for CH applications, with optimized performances, reliability, weight, transportability, cost, absorbed power, and complementarity with other techniques. Regarding the latter, examples are ARDESIA, the array of detectors at the DAΦNE-Light facility, the MAXRS detection setup at the Riken-RAL muon beamline and the imaging facilities at the LENA Laboratory. Paths for next-generation instruments have been suggested, as in the case of the X-ray Superconductive Detectors and X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometers, allowing astonishing improvement in energy resolution. Many issues in CH can now be addressed thanks to scientific techniques exploiting the existing detectors, while many others are still to be addressed and require the development of new approaches and detectors.

2014 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Charling Tao

The Tsinghua Center for Astrophysics (THCA) was founded in 2001 by Prof. Li Tipei and Shang Rencheng. A distinguishing characteristic of THCA's astrophysics program is its emphasis on space X-ray and gamma-ray instrumentation, by taking advantage of Tsinghua's strong programs on nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, space and aeronautics engineering, as well as electronics and information technology. The main research directions in THCA include high energy astrophysics and cosmology with space and ground observations in X-rays and gamma-rays, and more recently in optical wavelengths, radio-astronomy, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy analyses and projects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1446
Author(s):  
Jacopo Orsilli ◽  
Anna Galli ◽  
Letizia Bonizzoni ◽  
Michele Caccia

Among the possible variants of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), applications exploiting scanning Macro-XRF (MA-XRF) are lately widespread as they allow the visualization of the element distribution maintaining a non-destructive approach. The surface is scanned with a focused or collimated X-ray beam of millimeters or less: analyzing the emitted fluorescence radiation, also elements present below the surface contribute to the elemental distribution image obtained, due to the penetrative nature of X-rays. The importance of this method in the investigation of historical paintings is so obvious—as the elemental distribution obtained can reveal hidden sub-surface layers, including changes made by the artist, or restorations, without any damage to the object—that recently specific international conferences have been held. The present paper summarizes the advantages and limitations of using MA-XRF considering it as an imaging technique, in synergy with other hyperspectral methods, or combining it with spot investigations. The most recent applications in the cultural Heritage field are taken into account, demonstrating how obtained 2D-XRF maps can be of great help in the diagnostic applied on Cultural Heritage materials. Moreover, a pioneering analysis protocol based on the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm is presented, unifying the MA-XRF standard approach with punctual XRF, exploiting information from the mapped area as a database to extend the comprehension to data outside the scanned region, and working independently from the acquisition set-up. Experimental application on some reference pigment layers and a painting by Giotto are presented as validation of the proposed method.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 1460135
Author(s):  
CARMEN PAVEL ◽  
FLORIN CONSTANTIN ◽  
COSMIN IOAN SUCIU ◽  
ROXANA BUGOI

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful non-destructive technique that can yield interesting structural information not discernible through visual examination only. This paper presents the results of the CT scans of four objects belonging to the Romanian cultural heritage attributed to the Vinča, Cucuteni and Cruceni-Belegiš cultures. The study was performed with an X-ray tomographic device developed at the Department for Applied Nuclear Physics from Horia Hulubei National Institute for Nuclear Physics and Engineering in Măgurele, Romania. This apparatus was specially designed for archaeometric studies of low-Z artifacts: ceramic, wood, bone. The tomographic investigations revealed the internal configuration of the objects and provided information about the degree to which the previous manipulations affected the archaeological items. Based on the X-ray images resulting from the CT scans, hints about the techniques used in the manufacturing of the artifacts were obtained, as well as some indications useful for conservation/restoration purposes.


Author(s):  
Ahmad M. R. Baydoun ◽  
Ramsey F. Hamade

Abstract Friction stir welding (FSW) is a novel welding method that is garnering attention, in part, due to its ability to join dissimilar materials. One of the challenges in producing dissimilar friction welded joints is ensuring the welds are defect-free. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic waves, gamma rays, X-rays, and X-ray CT, are gaining popularity as a method to detect internal defects in FSW joints. In this study, dissimilar AA1050-AA6061-T6 FSW lap welds are Manufactured and then examined using an NDT X-ray CT technique. The effects of two critical X-ray CT scanning parameters (voxel size and Hounsfield unit (HU)) on the detection of internal defects are investigated. The samples are scanned via X-ray CT at two different voxel sizes (2.457 E−02 and 1.420 E−03 mm3) and two HU ranges (12-bit and 16-bit depth). The generated Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images are segmented based on a proper HU threshold found via the Otsu thresholding method. The findings show that Small voxel size (higher resolution) improves the ability of detecting internal defects and improves the effectiveness of the thresholding process. Higher HU range results in a wider separation between detected material peaks, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the thresholding process as well.


2014 ◽  
Vol 93 ◽  
pp. 524-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Lawrence ◽  
William C. Feldman ◽  
Robert E. Gold ◽  
John O. Goldsten ◽  
Ralph L. McNutt

1982 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 331-336
Author(s):  
John D. Zahrt

Recent, state of the art, x-ray spectrometers have made use of polarizing the source x-rays by scattering through 90° (1) . One then observes the analyte fluorescence in a direction perpendicular to the scattering plane in which the polarized x-rays are generated. The signal/noise ratio at the detector is much improved. Unfortunately there is a concomitant loss of intensity and analysis times increase. This adversely affects the minimum detection limits.


1965 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. de Jager

X-ray bursts are defined as electromagnetic radiation originating from electronic transitions involving the lowest electron shells; gamma rays are of nuclear origin. Solar gamma rays have not yet been discovered.According to the origin we have : 1.Quasi thermal X-rays, emitted by (a) the quiet corona, (b) the activity centers without flares, and (c) the X-ray flares.2.Non-thermal X-ray bursts; these are always associated with flares.The following subdivision is suggested for flare-associated bursts :


2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Schields ◽  
David M. Gibson ◽  
Walter M. Gibson ◽  
Ning Gao ◽  
Huapeng Huang ◽  
...  

Polycapillary optics are utilized in a wide variety of applications and are integral components in many state of the art instruments. Polycapillary optics operate by collecting X-rays and efficiently propagating them by total external reflection to form focused and parallel beams. We discuss the general parameters for designing these optics and provide specific examples on balancing the interrelations of beam flux, source size, focal spot-size, and beam divergence. The development of compact X-ray sources with characteristics tailored to match the requirements of polycapillary optics allows substantial reduction in size, weight, and power of complete X-ray systems. These compact systems have enabled the development of portable, remote, and in-line sensors for applications in industry, science and medicine. We present examples of the utility and potential of these optics for enhancing a wide variety of X-ray analyses.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1006-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Denes ◽  
Bernd Schmitt

Dramatic advances in synchrotron radiation sources produce ever-brighter beams of X-rays, but those advances can only be used if there is a corresponding improvement in X-ray detectors. With the advent of storage ring sources capable of being diffraction-limited (down to a certain wavelength), advances in detector speed, dynamic range and functionality is required. While many of these improvements in detector capabilities are being pursued now, the orders-of-magnitude increases in brightness of diffraction-limited storage ring sources will require challenging non-incremental advances in detectors. This article summarizes the current state of the art, developments underway worldwide, and challenges that diffraction-limited storage ring sources present for detectors.


Author(s):  
Grzegorz Domański ◽  
Roman Szabatin ◽  
Piotr Brzeski ◽  
Bogumił Konarzewski

The article presents the developed structure of the novel needle proportional gas detector (NPC – Needle Proportional Counter) used for the detection of X-rays and gamma rays. The advantage of the detector is its simple mechanical construction and the possibility of detection of incident radiation in a direction parallel to the needle. The measured energy spectrum of the isotope Fe-55 by means of the developed detector is presented.


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