The Transmission Muography Technique for Locating Potential Radon Gas Conduits at the Temperino Mine (Tuscany, Italy)

• DOI: 10.3390/particles8010003
• Publication Date: 2025-01-13T10:40:40Z
• Authors: Diletta Borselli; Tommaso Beni; Lorenzo Bonechi; Debora Brocchini; Nicola Casagli; Roberto Ciaranfi; Vitaliano Ciulli; Raffaello D’Aless...; Andrea Dini; Catalin Frosin; Giovanni Gigli; Sandro Gonzi; Silvia Guideri; Luca Lombardi; Massimiliano Noce...; Andrea Paccagnella; Simone Vezzoni
• Keywords: experimental particle physics; experimental particle physics; muons; cosmic rays; transmission muography; imaging technique; mine; cavities; cosmic rays; Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity; muons; mine; transmission muography; QC770-798; imaging technique

Transmission muography is an imaging technique that allows us to obtain two-dimensional and three-dimensional average-target density images by measuring the transmission of atmospheric muons. Through this technique, it is possible to observe density anomalies inside a target volume and locate them three-dimensionally. In this work, the potential of the technique will be illustrated through the description of the results of two measurements carried out in the tourist path of the Temperino mine (Livorno, Italy) in an area where a higher concentration of Radon gas is measured. This section of the gallery, located at a depth of about 50 m and dating back to the Etruscan period, might contain ancient cavities not yet discovered that could represent preferential conduits into which Radon gas is released into the tourist route. The muographic results are illustrated, focusing on the search for low-density anomalies attributable to cavities. The measurements are part of the MIMA-SITES project aimed at ensuring the safety of specific zones within the Temperino mine.