Imaging of Crystalline Structural Information of Japanese Swords by Pulsed Neutron Transmission Spectroscopy

Abstract

Japanese swords are peculiar ones forged by a unique method developed in Japan. The forging methods are different each other, depending on age and area. Therefore, the crystalline structure of a Japanese sword depends on the age and the area. In this study, we obtained crystallographic information of Japanese swords and investigated the difference in texture and crystallite size from Japanese swords by using the pulsed neutron transmission spectroscopy. The neutron transmission experiment was carried out at HUNS (Hokkaido University Neutron Source). The samples were two types of Japanese swords. We analyzed the position-dependent neutron transmission spectra and obtained quantitative microstructural information in two-dimensional real space. We found that there were differences of the microstructure between edge and back of each Japanese sword and the microstructure was different between two Japanese swords.

Research opportunities with compact accelerator-driven neutron sources

“…In this study, the Ghiberti heads, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, were analyzed using the neutron results for a reconstruction of elemental distributions on superficial and interior spots at a resolution of a few nanometers. [126][127] Another recent example is a study ancient musical instruments. [128] Although the above studies were carried out using neutron instruments at large facilities, there is no fundamental reasons that prohibit such investigations at CANS, as demonstrated by the analysis of isotope composition of a Scandinavian axe by the NRCA technique at GELINA [123][124] and the imaging of crystalline structural information of 15 th -century Japanese swords at HUNS [127].…”

“…[126][127] Another recent example is a study ancient musical instruments. [128] Although the above studies were carried out using neutron instruments at large facilities, there is no fundamental reasons that prohibit such investigations at CANS, as demonstrated by the analysis of isotope composition of a Scandinavian axe by the NRCA technique at GELINA [123][124] and the imaging of crystalline structural information of 15 th -century Japanese swords at HUNS [127]. In fact, the neutron beamlines employed for cultural heritage studies at large facilities are general-purpose diffractometers and imaging instruments.…”

Effect of Fold-Forging Techniques for Sword Making Process on Mechanical Properties of Medium Carbon Steel

“…However, its quality and design are so attractive for antiquary in Japan society [14]. In terms of scientific view, microstructures and mechanical properties of the Japanese swords were extensively studied by means of different characterization methods in [15][16][17][18]. However, even the Nam-Phee sword is well-established in Thailand a few investigations on its material and processing have been carried out.…”