Muon Detection Technology and Its Application in the Archeology of XiXia Imperial Tombs

Muon detection technology is an innovative type of geophysical exploration method that uses the penetrating ability of cosmic ray muons to detect and image the internal density structure of targets, offering the advantage of non-destructive detection. However, the applied research on muon detection technology is still in its initial stage, with research gaps existing in aspects such as the selection of optimal field observation parameters for muon detection instruments and muon inversion theory. To improve observation efficiency, this paper studies how to select optimal observation parameters in muon detection technology and proposes a method for selecting optimal observation parameters based on FreeCAD modeling and the energy attenuation formula of muon rays after penetrating matter. Additionally, a density-length product calculation method based on the muon survival rate formula is established, using the muon survival rate formula to reflect muon flux attenuation and thereby perform density inversion of objects. For the first time, muon imaging technology is applied to the detection of the No. 2 Mausoleum of the XiXia Imperial Tombs, verifying that muon imaging technology can effectively identify density anomalies inside the mausoleum tower, providing key data support for the structural analysis and protection of the XiXia Imperial Tombs. This paper systematically studies muon observation and inversion theories, laying a foundation for relevant researchers conducting muon detection work in the future.