Analysis of Automatic Fission Track Scanning in Solid-State Nuclear Track Recorders

Abstract

A computer controlled microscope has been developed for the automatic scanning of fission tracks in solid-state track recorders. Emphasis has been placed on the attainment of absolute accuracy comparable to that already demonstrated in manual track scanning. Analysis of automatic fission track data is considered in detail. It is demonstrated that track overlap or pileup can be accurately described within the framework of the paralyzable counter model. Absolute calibration of this system has been successfully carried out for Makrofol solid-state track recorders. Absolute fission rate measurements by automatic track scanning of Makrofol have been established with at least as high an accuracy as that of manual track scanning. Limitations due to effects of nonuniformity in fission track density have been estimated. Extension of these precise capabilities to mica solid-state track recorders has been attempted. In contrast with Makrofol, unresolved difficulties have been encountered in the automatic scanning of mica.