Sensitivity enhancement of PETP track detector by UV radiation

Abstract

The effects of UV irradiation on the sensitivity of polyethyleneterephthalate track detector (PETP TD), made in China) have been studied. Preferential absorption of UV radiation by latent damaged trails results sensitivity enhancement of tracks. PETP TDs were irradiated with 252Cf fission fragments then the detectors were exposed to sunlight or UV (700 W, UV lamp) in air for different time, then PETP TD irradiated was etched in 5N NaOH containing 0.5% Dowfax 2A1 at 60°C for different time. After measuring track length, track etching rate Vt was obtained. In order to compare the effects of other environments on the sensitivity of PETP TD with that of air, we also studied the effects of H2 O2 solution, KMnO4 solution and water on the sensitivity of PETP TD during UV irradiation. Track etching rate Vt increases significantly with sunlight and UV exposure time in air, Vt increasement using UV irradiation in air is 2.5 times as much as that using sunlight. UV radiation in the environments of H2 O2 solution (30%), KMnO4 solution (saturated) and water can make Vt of PETP TD increase significantly. Vt increasement resulted from UV irradiation in air is larger than that in KMnO4 solution and less than that in H2O2 solution. Because no significant change of bulk etching rate Vg is observed, increase in Vt means increase in sensitivity Vt/Vg. The effect of temperature of PETP TD during UV irradiation on sensitivity has been studied and the optimum temperature 50–60°C has been found.