Analysis of Ryugu samples with the muon beam from the J-PARC MLF begins

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July 1, 2021

On the afternoon of June 28, Prof. Tomoki Nakamura's car carrying the Ryugu samples arrived at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF). The airtight container containing the sample was wrapped in plastic bags and housed in a leather Boston bag. At the entrance of the MLF, Prof. Kentaro Terada of Osaka University, Dr. Takahito Osawa of JAEA, who was in charge of manufacturing the glove box used in this project, and Dr. Soshi Takeshita of IMSS welcomed Prof. Nakamura.

At the muon D2 experimental area, about 20 researchers were waiting excitedly. Prof. Nakamura cut the seal of the plastic bags and held up the container for the researchers to see, while earnestly checking that the sample was safe after the long drive.

The sample was wrapped with copper foil and was located near the center of the copper semicircle. Prof. Nakamura placed the sealed container in a glove box to avoid exposure to the Earth's atmosphere, and confirmed that the levels of oxygen and water vapor in the box are sufficiently low before opening the container.
Please watch the movie of the installation of Ryugu sample!

In this way, the experiments started successfully. The experiments at J-PARC MLF will continue throughout the week. Keep our fingers crossed for the good data!

YouTube Institute of Materials Structure Science channel 2021/06/30
Prof. Tomoki Nakamura of Tohoku University installing the Ryugu sample in the muon experimental apparatus

Scientific Reports Published: 27 May 2014
"A new X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for extraterrestrial materials using a muon beam"