A method of three-dimensional muon imaging using cosmic ray ground array

Abstract

Abstract Cosmic ray muon imaging technology is an effective non-destructive imaging technique. It is currently used to survey the internal structure of large-scale objects such as active volcanoes, pyramids, and some buildings. Additionally, it is used to detect high-Z materials in scenarios such as border security, nuclear reactor monitoring, and container inspection. All applications of cosmic ray muons require a detector to reveal and measure the flux or angular variations of muons. However, detectors may have specific characteristics for each application depending on the detection requirements. Unlike single-point track detectors, we propose using ground array detectors to investigate how ground array detection technology can be used for 3D reconstruction of objects. We use ground array detection technology for simulation studies and apply the Iterative Correction Algorithm (ICA) to reconstruct two-dimensional projections and obtain three-dimensional images of density distribution. We have also addressed the convergence problem and analyzed and optimized some parameters that may affect the detection results. The advantages of using ground arrays include their ability to simultaneously measure the transmittance flux data of muons in different directions, achieve multi-angle detection, and have a large field of view, enabling the collection of sufficient data for more accurate detection results. To verify the feasibility of our new method, we conducted a simple experimental validation on a cylindrical cement building located in the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). By comparing the experimental results with the cement building in the array, we found that their shape structure and density information are basically consistent, demonstrating the effectiveness of our method.