First Experiments under the New Access Programme at ISIS

This week marked the beginning of the first experiments conducted at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source under the new access programme.

Among the initial projects is research led by Prof. Mauro Rubini, Director of Anthropological Services and Professor of Archeoanthropology at Foggia University, together with his colleagues. The team is using neutron techniques to study bones from a 2nd-century AD Roman sepulchral site, aiming to understand the changes they have undergone — including whether some were subjected to burning.

Prof. Rubini explains:
“Neutrons shed new light on combusted bones from two sarcophagi identified as Aebutia Quarta and Carvilius Gemellus in the extraordinary ancient Roman sepulchral site known as the Hypogeum of the Garlands (Grottaferrata, Rome).”

Dr. Giulia Festa, another member of the research team, adds:
“Neutrons provide unique insight into the history of burned bones, revealing new information about burial and cooking practices, as well as the environmental conditions in which they were found.”

Exploring Reinforced Concrete and Shielding Materials

A second experiment, conducted by Dr. Gabriele Croci from Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca and Ing. Marco Martellucci (Mardel s.r.l.), investigates the use of neutrons at ISIS to image iron rods in reinforced concrete. The study aims to identify potential failure mechanisms and to examine concrete with different barite concentrations as a possible shielding material for radiological facilities.

Collaboration through ISIS@MACH-Neutron Gate

The proposal submission process is coordinated by Prof. Carla Andreani from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, who commented:
“We are delighted that the first experiments through ISIS@MACH-Neutron Gate have now been successfully run at ISIS. We look forward to seeing a wide range of new scientific results in the coming years — this is a great opportunity for Lazio and Italian scientists, and a meaningful continuation of our partnership with ISIS.”

Several additional experiments are planned in the coming months as part of the ISIS@MACH programme, continuing the long-standing collaboration between ISIS and the University of Rome Tor Vergata.