Muography: overview, applications and future developments

Muons of cosmic origin can be used as probes to explore the interior of large structures, providing an alternative or complementary imaging technique applicable in many different fields: from applied geology to archaeology to countering nuclear smuggling and more. In recent years, a growing number of research groups have been exploring the limits and possibilities of such applications. These groups use knowledge developed in the field of elementary particle and cosmic ray physics research to build detectors and develop data analysis methods fit for this purpose. Not all applications are at the same stage of maturity, but several start-ups and spin-offs have sprung up in recent years that are betting on the potential use of this technology outside academia. This is an example of how basic research not only contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge, but is also a source of applications that can benefit civil and industrial society as a whole.