Projects / Programmes
New imaging and analytic methods
January 1, 2017
- December 31, 2021
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.21.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Technology driven physics |
|
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T000 |
Technological sciences |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
THz spectroscopy, magnetism, nuclear quadrupolar resonance, imaging, image fusion
Researchers (9)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Imaging and analytic methods give information about the material and the inspected building, which cannot be identified by a naked eye. The development of these methods, for example imaging in the field of safety of the population, in medicine, or in the field of non-destructive testing in civil engineering enables faster experiments and provides more reliable information about the inspected building and material as given before.
In the frame of the programme the additional components and algorithms for advanced operating of THz system will be developed and the THz spectroscopy and imaging measurements for structural and chemical-physical characterization of pharmaceuticals and building materials will be performed. We will construct a local THz database and include the results of our measurements into the global THz database, operated by the Tera-Photonics Team, RIKEN Sendai.
We will continue the research of physical properties of selected new materials. For example, searching for a high entropy alloy with the highest critical temperature for paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, application of magnetic nanoparticles as a storage material in thermal memory cell and study of magneto-structural correlations in selected arsenic compounds.
A sensitivity of a measuring system for detection of illicit and dangerous materials based on the detection of nitrogen nuclear quadrupolar resonance will be increased. The measuring coils will be optimized in order to obtain a constant amplitude of RF magnetic field outside the coils, or to increase the field homogeneity inside its volume.
Numerical algorithms for the processing and fusion of images in the field of imaging in biophysics and civil engineering will be developed.
A multi-spot heat flow measuring system will be built for determination of a thermal transmittance U through the object. Thermal transmittance is the quantity that best defines the energy efficiency of a building. The new information about the investigated object will contribute to a reduction of costs for the reconstruction and energy rehabilitation of buildings.
Significance for science
For several years, we are involved in the development of non-destructive testing in civil engineering. In addition to the imaging of structural elements with different methods (e.g. georadar, infrared camera, ultrasonic), several numerical algorithms for image fusion have also been developed. While evaluating the energy efficiency of several heritage assets buildings of UL in collaboration with the University of Ljubljana (UL), Faculty for civil engineering and geodesy, the aforementioned imaging methods were found incapable to reliably predict the energy efficiency of the investigated building. Since heating and cooling are the most energy consumable processes, the thermal transmittance U is the quantity that best defines the energy efficiency of a building. Hence, for the continuation of our research, we plan to develop a measurement system for multi-spot heat flow measurement through walls, as well as algorithms for the processing of acquired signals and to appropriately combine the acquired results with the results gained through other imaging methods. The results and analysis of proposed measurements will have a significant impact in understanding the influence of a thermal capacity on energy efficiency of the building when a non-stationary heat transfer is considered.
The development of terahertz spectroscopy in the field of construction and building industry presents novel NDT method. A major advantage of this method in comparison to other well-known NDT methods (e.g. ground penetrating radar, ultrasound, infrared camera) is its much higher spatial resolution for imaging.
In the field of material research we propose to investigate physical properties of completely new family of solid state: high entropy alloys. One of our goals is to find high entropy alloy with transition temperature to ferromagnetic state above the room temperature. We propose magnetic nanoparticles as a media to store digital information in a thermal memory cell and to determine a maximal temperature at which the storing is possible. In the cooperation with University of Vienna we are going to synthesizes new arsenic compounds and determine the magneto-structural correlations.
Significance for the country
The largest direct relevance for the economy will be provided by the development of non-destructive testing in civil engineering, in particular by terahertz spectroscopy and the development of the multi-spot measurement system for measuring the thermal transmittance. For the investigated buildings, both methods will give new information that will contribute to a reduction of costs for the reconstruction and energy rehabilitation.
Both new imaging techniques could lead to a commercially interesting product and possible foundation of a spin-off company.
The improved sensitivity of the NQR system for the detection of prohibited and dangerous substances will have an important relevance for the safety of the population.
Teaching assignments, staff education (bachelor, master and doctor projects related to the planned research) and promotion of Slovenia as a high-tech society will be of indirect importance for the society. The results of the research work will be presented at international scientific meetings, as well as in professional journals.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
