Cosmic Ray Muon Radiography Applications in Safeguards and Arms Control

Abstract

Muons are the most penetrating radiographic probe that exists today. These elementary particles possess a unique combination of physical properties that allows them to pass through dense, heavily shielded objects that are opaque to typical photon/neutron probes, and emerge with useful radiographic information on the object'sinternal substructure. Interactions of cosmic rays in the Earth's upper atmosphere provide a constant, natural source of muons that can be used for passive interrogation, eliminating the need for artificial sources of radiation. These proceedings discuss specific applications of muon radiography in nuclear safeguards and arms control treaty verification.