3-D optical imaging system of muon beams using a silver activated zinc sulfide (ZnS(Ag)) sheet combined with a mirror

Optical imaging of muon beams is a promising method for range estimations. However, our previous optical imaging method could only measure 2-D projection images. To measure the beam ranges and widths at any position of the muon beam, 3-D beam images are desired. For this purpose, we developed an optical imaging system using a silver-activated zinc sulfide (ZnS(Ag)) sheet combined with a mirror and a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The ZnS(Ag) sheet was set in a black box and irradiated by a positive muon beam at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). Acrylic plates were used to absorb the muon beam. The measured optical images with different thicknesses of the acrylic plates were stacked and interpolated to create a 3-D optical image, and then the depth and lateral profiles were evaluated. From the depth profile derived from the 3-D image, the Bragg peak position could be estimated. The lateral profiles at the Bragg peak positions could also be derived. We confirmed that 3-D optical imaging was possible using the developed system with a ZnS(Ag) sheet. The system is promising for measuring muon beam distribution, conducting research on muons, and developing future muon radiotherapy.