Use of Muonic X Rays for Tissue Analysis

The muonic x ray spectrum resulting from negative muons stopping in tissue samples and tissue "equivalent" materials has been obtained. Relative muonic x ray intensities have been determined and an attempt made to correlate these intensities with atomic abundances in these materials. A comparison of the results for the various targets is presented. Limits of sensitivity for fluorine and calcium in these biological materials have been established. Results are outlined which demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining data in the singles mode, that is, without a muon telescope. This will allow one in the future to use the higher muon beam intensities which will be available at LAMPF. In addition, the use of larger targets will be possible and the possibility of using focusing collimators to interrogate a specimen is likely.