16th International Conference on Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation and Resonance (μSR2025)

Integration and Optimization of the Muon-Induced X-ray Emission Technique at PSI

Not scheduled

20m

Poster Presentation Beamlines and instruments Poster session 2

Speaker

Xiao Zhao (Paul Scherrer Institute)

Description

Muon-Induced X-ray Emission (MIXE) is considered the only technique that allows for non-destructive elemental analysis of the bulk of a sample, with depth-profiling capabilities. Powered by the high-rate continuous muon beam from the Swiss Muon Source (S$\mu$S) at PSI, MIXE has undergone a remarkable revival [1] and has already demonstrated significant advancements [2–4]. To further strengthen PSI’s role in this field, we collaborated with the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) to develop SAMURAI (Smart Analysis of MUonic X-rays with Artificial Intelligence) [5], an AI-based algorithm that automates data analysis and addresses the speed limitations of manual processing. In addition, a TWIN-GEM TPC [6] has been integrated to precisely track muon trajectories, thereby enabling the transition to 2D imaging and even 3D tomography. Feasibility tests conducted at PSI using multi-layer targets have demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of this approach. These advancements pave the way for element-specific imaging, positioning MIXE as a unique and powerful tool for non-destructive, depth-resolved elemental analysis across diverse scientific fields.
[1] Biswas S. et al., Appl. Sci. 12(5), 2541 (2022).
[2] Biswas S. et al., Herit Sci, 2023, 11, 43.
[3] Beda A. Hofmann et al., J. Archaeol. Sci., 2023, 157, 105827.
[4] Q. Edouard et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, 13, 2275-2284.
[5] T. Kacprzak et al., arXiv:2504.04609.
[6] F. García et al., NIM-A, 2018, 884, 18-24.