Quantitative characterization of Japanese ancient swords through Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging

Japanese blades are culturally interesting objects both from the stylistic point of view and because of their fantastic performance. In this work, we present new results, using a non-invasive approach, concerning these peculiar artefacts. Five Japanese swords pertaining to Koto (987-1596) and Shinto (1596-1781) periods have been analysed through white beam and energy resolved neutron-imaging techniques. The experiments have been performed at the ICON beam line, operating at the spallation neutronsourceSINQ,PaulScherrerInstitutinSwitzerland.Thereconstructionofprojectiondatainto neutron tomographic slices or volumes allowed us to identify some peculiar characteristics, related to the forging methods that were used by the different schools and traditions in Japan.