As a rule of thumb, muon geotomography can be used in any application with meter-sized structures that have density contrasts larger than 0.1 – 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter (i.e., density contrast greater than about 1/10 the density of water). CRM has done work in applying this technology to
CRM's powerful simulation and analysis software allows us to quickly model scenarios of interest, to understand how muon geotomography can be used in new applications.
CRM GeoTomography Technologies, Inc. (CRM) is a geophysical services and sensor manufacturing company, specializing in a novel new technology known as “muon tomography”. Using sophisticated sensors to map the intensity of cosmic ray muons underground, CRM is able to construct detailed 3D density profiles of the ground above the sensors. CRM has proven the technology in a number of published field trials (see Case Studies above) as well as in other confidential projects with leading mining companies. We are also leading the way in developing muon geotomography for other applications, including geotechnical monitoring, SAG-D oil reservoir monitoring, and homeland security.
CRM is a privately owned company spun-off from Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc. (AAPS, now TRIUMF Innovations), a nationally designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research established at TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics and accelerator-based science. CRM is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
CRM’s initial proof-of-principle muon geotomography technology was developed by AAPS in collaboration with University of British Columbia (UBC) professor Douglas Bryman, UBC’s Geophysical Inversion Facility, the Geological Survey of Canada, and NVI-Breakwater Resources (now Nyrstar).
CRM’s advanced second-generation muon detectors have been developed with the financial support of Western Economic Diversification Canada, proven in field trials, and are now being commercially deployed by CRM to help mining companies reduce the cost and increase the effectiveness of near-mine mineral exploration. Funded projects from mining companies (under non-disclosure agreements) have contributed significantly to advances in the application of muon tomography.
CRM gratefully acknowledges the ongoing financial support of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and all those that we work with to deliver the benefits of this new geophysical technique.
CRM was a top-10 finalist of the New Ventures BC competition, and received the BC Resource Industry prize package. Exciting times! CRM is also a finalist and graduate of the the Creative Destruction Lab program, was selected as an "Emerging Rocket" (Clean Technology List) in the 2017 Ready to Rocket competition, and identified as "Ready to Rocket" in 2019.