Ultraviolet effects and aging effects on etching characteristics of fission tracks in polycarbonate film

Studies on the influence of ultraviolet (u.v) exposure in air showing significant increases on track etching rates of irradiated polycarbonate film, have been extended to include other environmental gases, namely oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen in addition to air. Detailed studies of the effects of 'aging' on etching characteristics are also reported. The processes of pore formation and growth have been monitored by measurement of the a.c. conductivity across an irradiated film during the etching process. This procedure has sensitivity enough to follow the breakthrough and enlargement of a single pore. The etching has been carried out at temperatures lower than heretofore reported. (author)