The utilization of nuclear techniques in the most diverse scientific and technological fields grows all over the world as a direct function of the applied research that is being carried out. Complex problems for which the conventional techniques found no solution are solved today with the help of nuclear techniques.

The research carried out with Argonauta’s thermal neutron beam takes advantage of the peculiar characteristics of the neutron as an excellent probe for material investigation. It comprehends the following non-destructive techniques:

• Activation analysis, which allows to qualify and quantify activable trace elements down to a 10-9 gram content in samples;
• Neutrongraphy with the use of radiographic films for the analysis of several materials, identifying flaws, fractures and textures in their depth as well as the presence of strange bodies and of purposefully hidden ones, such as explosives and cocaine;
• Neutron Computerized Tomography, with objectives similar to those of the previous technique, being more sophisticated, but with a more restrict application field, directed mainly to the industry.

Keeping up with the recent international progress in the area, this research pursues the development of real-time neutrongraphy and tomography techniques.