[en] This paper focuses on the basic principles of the muon radiography method, reviews the major muon radiography experiments, and presents the first results in Russia obtained by the authors using this method based on emulsion track detectors. (instruments and methods of investigation)

[en] Results of nuclear physics research made using track detectors are briefly reviewed. Advantages and prospects of the track detection technique in particle physics, neutrino physics, astrophysics and other fields are discussed on the example of the results of the search for direct origination of tau neutrino in a muon neutrino beam within the framework of the international experiment OPERA (Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus) and works on search for superheavy nuclei in nature on base of their tracks in meteoritic olivine crystals. The spectra of superheavy elements in galactic cosmic rays are presented. Prospects of using the track detection technique in fundamental and applied research are reported. (paper)

[en] Cosmic ray muon radiography is a novel technique for imaging the internal structures of massive objects. It exploits the capability of high energy muons from cosmic-rays in order to obtain a density map of investigated object and trying to guess information on the variation in the density distribution. Nuclear emulsions are tracking detectors well suited to be employed in this context since they have an excellent angular resolution (few mrad), they are cheap, compact and robust, easily transportable, able to work in harsh environments, and do not require power supply. This work presents the first successful results in the field of muon radiography in Russia with nuclear emulsions

[en] Cosmic ray muonography is a novel technique for imaging of the internal structures of large natural and industrial objects. It exploits the capability of high energy muons from cosmic rays to penetrate large thicknesses of large subjects to be studied, in order to obtain a density map. It uses muon flux attenuation and absorption in materials of investigated objects. Nuclear emulsions are tracking detectors well suited to be employed in muonography for investigations of inner structure of large objects up to kilometers size, since emulsions have firstly an excellent angular resolution, they are compact and robust, do not require power supply. The muonography methods are applied to study one of UNESCO world heritage objects, the unusual building in the Naryn-Kala citadel hidden underground. The use of nuclear emulsions as probing radiation detectors provides for a uniquely high resolution capacity of recording instrumentation combined with the potential of modern image analysis methods giving 3D reconstruction of the internal structures of the investigated object.