Crystallographic Analysis of Japanese Swords by using Pulsed Neutron Transmission

Abstract

Crystallographic analysis of metal cultural heritages is one of important neutron applications, since nondestructive analysis is desired. We have been studying Japanese swords using the pulsed neutron imaging, and obtained position dependent information of crystallite size, anisotropy and lattice spacing. The results coincide with destructive studies, which indicated that the method was useful for the metal artifacts.