University of Wah & RIKEN Japan Set New World Records in Neutron Imaging

Neutron imaging (NI) is a crucial non-destructive technique widely used in industrial, medical, and scientific fields. Improving the spatial resolution of NI detectors has been a long-standing challenge. The University of Wah, in collaboration with RIKEN Japan, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in neutron imaging by developing an NI device with a record-breaking resolution of 887 nm in 2024.

Background: Evolution of Neutron Imaging

Neutron imaging technology has been evolving over the years with significant advancements in spatial resolution:

This progression highlights the remarkable contributions made by researchers in pushing the boundaries of imaging precision.

Research and Development

Project Overview

• The research was led by Dr. Abdul Muneem under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wah.

• The co-supervision was provided by Prof. Dr. Takehiko R. Saito, Chief Scientist at RIKEN, Japan.

• The project focused on utilizing fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTD)-based NI techniques to enhance resolution.

Key Achievements

• 2022: Achieved 945 nm resolution, setting a new world record.

• 2024: Further improved to 887 nm using advanced NI techniques.

• Patent Submission: A patent was filed on December 25, 2024, for the newly developed FNTD-based NI device.

Collaborative Efforts

This milestone was made possible through research and development conducted at multiple leading institutions in Japan:

• High Energy Nuclear Physics Laboratory, RIKEN

• Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC)

• Nishina Center at RIKEN

• RIKEN CBS-Olympus Collaboration Center (RIKEN BOCC)

• Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN

• Nagoya University

• Research Reactor Institute, Kyoto University

• Tohoku University

Significance of RIKEN’s Role

RIKEN Japan played a pivotal role in providing state-of-the-art facilities, research expertise, and support for this pioneering achievement.

Impact on Scientific Community

The groundbreaking work by the University of Wah and RIKEN Japan has significant implications:

1. Industrial & Medical Applications

• Enhanced imaging precision benefits non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace, automotive, and nuclear industries.

• Advanced neutron imaging can be used for early disease detection in medical sciences.

2. Advancing Research in Nuclear Physics

• The improved resolution allows better visualization of subatomic structures.

• Facilitates research in high-energy physics and material sciences.

3. Strengthening Pakistan’s Position in Scientific Innovation

• Positions Pakistan as a leader in high-precision imaging technologies.

• Opens doors for future international collaborations in nuclear physics and advanced imaging.

Press Releases & Recognitions

The achievement was widely acknowledged, with press releases issued by:

• RIKEN Japan: Press Release (Japanese)

• Tohoku University: Press Release (Japanese)

References

1. Hussey et al., Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research 866 (2017) 9

2. Muneem et al., Journal of Applied Physics 133 (2023) 054902

3. Muneem et al., Scientific Reports (2025) 15:2103