IAEA F1-TR-44791
IAEA Training Workshop on
Advanced Use of Neutron Imaging for Research and
Applications
26 – 30 August 2013
Berlin, Germany
BACKGROUND
The use of neutron imaging at research reactors or spallation neutron sources for industrial
applications such as non-destructive examination and testing has already been proven in
industrialized countries. This technique allows for studies of a material’s characterization,
strength, integrity, and durability without inflicting permanent damage to the material itself.
The advantage of neutrons, compared to X-rays, is that they are sensitive to many light
elements, have deeper penetration length, and are sensitive to magnetic structures.
Furthermore, as neutron imaging technology has advanced, its techniques have become more
precise, efficient and much faster, specifically in the incorporation of digital radiography
(2D), computed tomography (3D), energy-selective neutron imaging or dynamic (real-time)
neutron imaging. These new techniques, in addition to advanced capabilities, also eliminate
the need for consumables like films and other potentially hazardous chemical compounds
used in film-based radiography. Today the major fields of neutron imaging application
include the mining, oil and petroleum industries, car and aviation industries, archaeology,
environment, biology, medicine, physics, including energy sector that ranges from nuclear
power industry to new technologies such as hydrogen cells and lithium batteries.
The workshop will assist participating Member States to acquire and apply advanced neutron
imaging techniques for increased safety, productivity, quality management and assurance for
various industrial, both energy and non-energy related, applications. The implementation and
application of such advanced neutron imaging techniques will require the conversion of
neutron imaging equipment to digital technology. Most of these necessary steps in the form of
already gained experience from well-established neutron imaging facilities will be covered
during the workshop, including possible solutions for equipment characterization and
installation licencing, staff training and qualification, standardization of techniques with
respect to industrial applications, and the sharing of good practices and lessons learned from
similar projects in the developed countries. In addition, regional networking opportunities for
neutron imaging community will be discussed in order to help build partnership. The event is
targeted for countries that seek to develop/upgrade neutron imaging facilities and/or extend
their use for industrial applications.
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IAEA F1-TR-44791
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this training workshop is to introduce and deliver concise and the
most recent information on use of neutron imaging, also known as neutron radiography
and tomography, both for fundamental research and industrial applications. In addition
to the lectures delivered by the experts, the workshop will include hands-on-experiments
and post-experimental analysis in small groups thanks to the facilities made available by
the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB). The IAEA workshop will be held jointly with the
HZB Summer School on “Imaging Methods for Industrial Applications”.
The workshop curriculum will be designed to cover a range of topics that are relevant to
Member States, especially developing countries, that are considering starting or upgrading
their neutron imaging facilities. The main training objective of the workshop is to contribute
to the enhancement of scientific-technological knowledge, innovation in infrastructure and
human resources training in the area of neutron imaging using neutron beams for fundamental
research and various applications. This will include:

Introduction to neutron sources: reactor and accelerator based

Introduction to fundamentals and advances in neutron imaging techniques

Guidelines on required

o
neutron beam characteristics
o
equipment installation and licensing, including hardware and software
o
experimental setup, data taking, and data analysis
o
standardization of techniques with respect to industrial applications
o
staff training and qualification
Basic experimental training (hands-on-experiment in small groups) in neutron
radiography and neutron tomography

Experimental case studies (hands-on-experiment in small groups) on specific
applications of neutron imaging

Tutorials on neutron imaging: demonstration of software on experimental data
handling, post-experimental analysis, image reconstruction and examination,
finalization of results

Examples of neutron imaging applications in biology, chemistry, medicine, physics,
material sciences, environment, engineering and various industries

Introduction to marketing and industrial opportunities for neutron imaging
applications
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EXPECTED OUTPUT OF MEETING
The principal output of the workshop will be the training lecture materials and practical
course exercises. In addition, the workshop will contribute to the enhancement of scientifictechnological knowledge, innovation in infrastructure and human resources training in the
area of neutron imaging using neutron beams for fundamental research and various
applications. It will also promote international cooperation and development of stronger user
community in the field.
MEETING FORMAT
The format of the meeting will be invited experts’ lectures presented in sessions devoted to
special topics, with subsequent discussions and breakout sessions. The topical lectures will be
followed by the hands-on-training sessions and practical exercises. Some limited time will be
also allocated for the workshop participants to present their research work. In this respect, an
electronic projector with a computer capable of reading CDs and memory sticks will be
available (Power Point or Acrobat recommended). The official language of the workshop is
English. No interpretation will be provided. The workshop will start at 09:00 on 26 August
2013, and will be concluded by 17:00 on 30 August 2013.
PARTICIPATION
In order to participate in the workshop, the following two steps must be completed:
(1) Participation in the IAEA workshop
A request for participation will only be accepted if the Participation Form (form A) is
transmitted through the appropriate Governmental representative authority (i.e. Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, National Atomic Energy Authority) requesting nomination and, if the
IAEA receives the nomination by 15 May 2013. Persons from the IAEA Member States or
invited international organizations are eligible to attend. Participants should be actively
involved in the subject matter of the meeting. All persons wishing to participate in the work
of this meeting are requested to complete a Participation Form (form A) and send it as soon
as possible to the IAEA. Participants whose designations have been received by the IAEA
will receive further details approximately 8 weeks before the meeting.
(2) Abstract Submission
Persons are asked to submit an abstract on their research project related to neutron imaging,
maximum one page in total length and in electronic format directly to the Scientific Secretary
(D.Ridikas@iaea.org). The abstract must be text only and must contain the author’s name,
affiliation and e-mail address. Acceptable file format is Microsoft Word. The authors should
make sure that the files do not include copyrighted fonts or other impediments for
reproduction. The abstract template can be requested from the Scientific Secretary. The one
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IAEA F1-TR-44791
page abstract must be received by 15 May 2013 at the latest. The abstracts will be evaluated
by the Scientific Committee, and authors informed of the acceptance of their contributions by
e-mail, by 15 June 2013. The workshop agenda and a book of abstracts will be prepared and
e-mailed to all accepted participants as PDF file attachment before the meeting.
Important: Contributors of material to be included in the IAEA’s proceedings are required to
assign all copyrights or rights to publish to the IAEA (form B).
PRESENTATIONS
The presentations should be prepared either as a Power Point file or Adobe PDF format file,
complete with all text, figures and tables. All presentations will be converted as received, to
an Adobe PDF file and placed on memory sticks for distribution to all participants at the end
of the meeting.
EXPENDITURES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The costs for the organization of the meeting are borne by the IAEA and the Host
Government. No registration fee is charged to participants. As a general rule, the IAEA
does not pay for participants’ travel and living expenses. However, limited financial support
is available to assist the attendance of selected participants who will make a
presentation, principally those from developing Member States. Usually only one grant
for financial support is awarded per Member State. If participants or governments wish to
apply for a grant on behalf of one of their participants, they should ensure that applications for
grants are:

Received by the IAEA Scientific Secretary by 15 May 2013,

Accompanied by a duly completed and signed Grant Application Form (form C)

Accompanied by an abstract relevant to one of the promoted topics of the meeting.
Applications that do not comply with these requirements will not be considered. The grants
awarded will be in the form of lump sums and will be paid prior to the meeting. Grants for
financial support will be announced around 15 June 2013.
VISA
The IAEA will send official invitation letters to designated participants which are intended to
assist with visa arrangements if needed approximately 8 weeks before the meeting.
Participants requiring a visa to enter Germany should submit the necessary application to the
nearest diplomatic or consular representative of Germany in their country as soon as they
receive the official invitation letter.
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IAEA F1-TR-44791
ACCOMMODATION
It is the responsibility of the participants to arrange their accommodation. A list of hotels and
other lodging possibilities for reference and detailed information on transport arrangements
to/from Berlin and other organizational items will be sent to all designated participants
approximately 8 weeks before the meeting.
DEADLINES (2013) and PROCEDURES
15 May:
Deadline for submission of abstracts (also should include forms A and B)
15 May:
Deadline for submission of grant applications (should include form C)
15 June:
Participants informed of the acceptance of their contributions
15 June:
Participants informed of the acceptance of their financial support
26 August:
Start of workshop
30 August:
End of workshop
SCIENTIFIC SECRETARIES
Mr Danas Ridikas
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Office A2376
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, A1400 Vienna, Austria
Email: D.Ridikas@iaea.org, Tel.: +43 1 2600-21751, Fax: +43 1 26007
SECRETARIAT
Ms Rozanne Bojdo
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Office A2307
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, A1400 Vienna, Austria
Email: R.Bojdo@iaea.org, Tel.: +43 1 2600-21754, FAX: +43 1 26007
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