Particle identification using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector

To identify a-particles and protons using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector (CR-39 SSNTD), track growth model and interaction theory between particles and media were applied and the profile and appearance of the tracks produced by a-particles and protons on the CR-39 SSNTD were simulated. In addition, the optimal chemical etching conditions for 3 ∼ 8 MeV a-particles and 1 ∼ 9 MeV protons were calculated. The corresponding diameters, depths and the gray level values of the tracks for the optimal chemical etching conditions were simulated to identify the a-particles and protons with the same energy and different energies. To verify the simulation method, a CR-39 SSNTD was used to measure the tracks made by 5.84 MeV a-particles and 3 MeV protons. The differences between the experimental and simulated diameters of the tracks ranged between 0.36% ∼ 9.70%. For the optimal etching conditions obtained from simulation, a difference of 5.6% was observed between the experimental and simulated chemical etching time. These results are preliminary proof of the feasibility and validity of the simulation method. (authors)