A Monte Carlo approach for scattering correction towards quantitative neutron imaging of polycrystals

• Published in: Journal of applied crystallography 2018-04, Vol.51 (2), p.386-394
• Main Authors: Raventós, M., Lehmann, E. H., Boin, M., Morgano, M., Hovind, J., Harti, R., Valsecchi, J., Kaestner, A., Carminati, C., Boillat, P., Trtik, P., Schmid, F., Siegwart, M., Mannes, D., Strobl, M., Grünzweig, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artefacts; Attenuation coefficients; Coherent scattering; Computer simulation; Copper; Imaging; Inspection; Iron; Materials science; Materials selection; Mathematical models; Medical imaging; Monte Carlo methods; neutron imaging; Neutron radiography; neutron scattering; Neutrons; Order parameters; Polycrystals; quantification; Radiography; Research Papers; Vanadium
• ISSN: 1600-5767; 0021-8898; 1600-5767
• DOI: 10.1107/S1600576718001607

The development of neutron imaging from a qualitative inspection tool towards a quantitative technique in materials science has increased the requirements for accuracy significantly. Quantifying the thickness or the density of polycrystalline samples with high accuracy using neutron imaging has two main problems: (i) the scattering from the sample creates artefacts on the image and (ii) there is a lack of specific reference attenuation coefficients. This work presents experimental and simulation results to explain and approach these problems. Firstly, a series of neutron radiography and tomography experiments of iron, copper and vanadium are performed and serve as a reference. These materials were selected because they attenuate neutrons mainly through coherent (Fe and Cu) and incoherent (V) scattering. Secondly, an ad hoc Monte Carlo model was developed, based on beamline, sample and detector parameters, in order to simulate experiments, understand the physics involved and interpret the experimental data. The model, developed in the McStas framework, uses a priori information about the sample geometry and crystalline structure, as well as beamline settings, such as spectrum, geometry and detector type. The validity of the simulations is then verified with experimental results for the two problems that motivated this work: (i) the scattering distribution in transmission imaging and (ii) the calculated attenuation coefficients. This article describes the development and application of a Monte Carlo tool to improve the quantification capabilities of neutron imaging applied to polycrystals. The combination of modelling and experimentation gives a better understanding of how scattering coming from polycrystalline samples affects neutron imaging experiments.