Registration of alpha particles using CR-39 nuclear detector

Abstract

The use of CR-39 as a fast alpha particles detector using a new etching condition have been optimized. 241Am source was used for irradiating CR-39 detectors with alpha particles in air at normal pressure and temperature. A chain of experimental work has been carried out using new etchants to register alpha particle in short time. The chemical etching parameters, etching time, temperature and etchant have been investigated. The etching efficiency, the sensitivity and the critical angle were exhibited a clear dependence on the amount of 2- propanol in the etching solution. The optimized chemical condition obtained at this stage of development for CR-39 detectors are (10 ml of 10 N NaOH + 0.5 ml 2-C3H7OH) etching solutions. Consequently, the suggested new etchant can be developed for neutrons, fission fragments and heavy ions detection. Results of the irradiation of CR-39 detector with alpha particles along with studding the etching characteristics of track detector have been addressed and through discussed.