On the possibility of using breakthrough time measurements in nuclear track filters for identification of heavy ions

Abstract

All the methods used for identification of particles using solid state nuclear track detectors are based upon the acquisition of data on the various etched track geometrical parameters, as well as REL and ( dE dx ) values. In this paper, an attempt is made to explore the possibility of making use of breakthrough time information obtained during electrolytically controlled etching of nuclear track filter foils of CN (Daicel and Kodak) and CA (Daicel) for discriminating heavy energetic ions viz., 208Pb (17.1 MeV/n), 238U (13.64 MeV/n, 16.34 MeV/n) and 132Xe (14 MeV/n). It is found that the breakthrough time in a given detector and under given etch conditions depends upon ( dE dx ) and also is function of ( Z ∗ β ) of the particle. The method is nonmicroscopic and useful only for charged particles of range > thickness of detector foil.