Automatic registration of fission fragment tracks with a spark gap counting system

The theoretical aspects of fission track production in polycarbonate foils are briefly discussed. An automatic counting system for fission tracks based on a spark gap chamber is described. A linear response for low fission track density, typical of environmental and biological samples, was obtained with a 252Cf source using an electrode of 33.2 mm2. The system also functions with electrodes of larger and smaller areas without any major changes in the instrument. (author) 23 refs.; 6 figs