Neutrons Unveil Secrets of Musical Instruments

Abstract

Ancient musical instruments are complex objects constructed in the past with the aim of obtaining the best sound quality. Construction parameters change during time according to the aesthetics of the historical period and required sonic/musical features. Musical instruments are mostly made of wood, metals and hide. Neutron based methods such as diffraction, radiography and tomography can be used to study musical instruments providing a link between different disciplines including nuclear physics, metallurgy, cultural heritage and acoustics.