Theoretical determination of the neutron detection efficiency of plastic track detectors. Pt. 2

The neutron detection efficiency of organic solid state nuclear track detectors without external radiators was calculated for evaluating the etched detector foils under the light microscope. The calculation procedure is based on a previously determined distribution function of the etch pits, doubly differential in pit diameter and depth and on the description of the limits for track observation according to the resolving power of the optical microscope. The detection efficiency is defined as the observable track density per neutron fluence. Theoretical results are quoted for various microscope magnifications depending on the neutron energy, the angle of incidence and the thickness of the layer removal. The comparison with experimental data shows a good agreement. Results for the mean track diameter and the mean depth depending on the above-mentioned parameters are also given. (orig.)