Autoradiography

Description

An imaging technique used to record the distribution of radioactive materials in objects placed in close contact with photographic or radiographic film. Autoradiography has been used to study the movement of introduced radioisotopes through the plant/animal systems or through manufacturing processes. For cultural heritage artifacts (like paintings), neutron beams (also used for neutron radiography) are used to induce the emission of beta particles in some elements, such as gold, silver, tin, and indium. This allows to discriminate pigments which could not be distinguished through classical X-ray radiography.

Synonyms and Related Terms

autoradiographie (Fr.); Autoradiographie (Deut.); auto-radiografia (Port.)

Authority

• External source or communication Comment: Jean-Louis Boutaine, June 2007.

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Photography, Technology of." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004. 16 Jan. 2004 .