Geological analysis by track etch method

Abstract

The nuclear track technique has provided a versatile method for the analyses of geological samples. We have applied the method to the mapping of boron, lithium, uranium and thorium in minerals and rocks. The analysis of uranium in natural water is reported, too. The neutron source was the Triga MK II research reactor at the Technical Research Center of Finland. Cellulose foils have been used as alpha particle detectors while polycarbonate foils were used as fission particle detectors. The etch pits are counted in the microscope or with a spark replica counter similar to the one described by Cross and Tommasino. In this study uranium is the element we are most interested in. The accuracy, sensitivity and limits of the track etch technique in geochemical exploration are discussed, too.