Detection of Alpha Particle Interactions Using the Track Etch Technique.

Abstract

In this thesis the author developed and set up experimental procedures and methodologies for detection of low energy alpha particles using the track etch technique. Three track etch materials, lexan polycarbonate, cellulose nitrate, and CR-39, were exposed to various energy alpha particles. The exposure resulted in the formation of atomic scale damage tracks within each material. Because the damage tracks were on an atomic scale in size, they could not be optically seen unless enhanced or enlarged by some physical means. Three methods of enhancement were performed on the exposed track etch materials. These methods were chemical etching, electrochemical etching, and a combination of the two. The results indicted that all three etching methods provided adequate enhancement of the alpha damage tracks, thereby showing that low energy charged particles can be detected using the track etch technique. Keywords: data bases.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA167381

Entities

People

  • Robert C. Myers

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Alpha Particles
  • Charged Particles
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Nucleons
  • Particles
  • Power Supplies
  • Radiation
  • Thermal Neutrons

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.