Non-destructive 3D elemental imaging by muonic X-ray measurement with CdTe-DSD in J-PARC

Chiu, I.-H.; Osawa, Takahito  ; Ninomiya, Kazuhiko*; Takeda, Shinichiro*; Takahashi, Tadayuki*; Katsuragawa, Miho*; Watanabe, Shin*; Kubo, Kenya*; Saito, Tsutomu*; Mizumoto, Kazumi*; Taniguchi, Akihiro*; Umegaki, Izumi*; Shimomura, Koichiro*

We present a non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) elemental imaging method based on muonic X-rays measurement using a cadmium telluride double-sided strip detector (CdTe-DSD). Conventional X-ray fluorescence is limited to surface characterization due to self-absorption of the sample. The negative muons can penetrate deeper into samples, forming muonic atoms that emit high-energy X-rays with minimal self-absorption. Our system integrates four CdTe-DSDs with pinhole collimators to acquire projection images at 12 measurement angles, which are then reconstructed into 3D volumetric phantom. Experiments at J-PARC validated this approach with an archaeological object of Edo-period crucible. In particular, the 3D distribution of silicon and oxygen within the ceramic body of an Edo-period crucible was successfully reconstructed. These results demonstrate the feasibility of muonic X-ray imaging with CdTe-DSDs for non-destructive elemental analysis in cultural heritage and material sciences.