Electrochemical etching of cellulose nitrate trace detectors

Treeing phenomenon is Electrochemical Etching (ECE) of Daicel Cellulose nitrate track detectors has not been reported so far. In order to reduce the visual strain in optical scanning of nuclear tracks in these detectors an effort was undertaken to develop the ECE technique which would lead to an enlargement of tracks and would increase the contrast by producing distinct features like treeing. A Perspex filter chimney as cell and a 50 Hz high voltage unit for power supply constituted the simple ECE system. It was possible to initiate treeing in Daicel detector leading to an enlargement of track ends to about 10 μm in diameter with significant clarity against the background. Various attempts to augment the treeing process and the results obtained so far have been reported. (author)