Theoretical etching effects on “track in track” and “track in cleavage” length distributions

Abstract

Theoretical models which confirm experimental distributions of lengths of both surface and confined tracks must be devised in order to promote the development of fission track applications in minerals. In a previous study, using a mathematical model, the characteristics of surface tracks were calculated. 1 The algorithm has now been extended to confined track length distributions (TINT and TINC). Results show that distributions are not as simple as researchers had previously supposed. This method requires strict experimental conditions since a high background noise is associated with the characteristics of etching (bulk etching rate over track etching rate and etching duration). Ideal conditions are determined to observe a narrow peak with a low background noise.