Effect of γ-ray irradiation on α-particle registration in cellulose nitrate track detectors

Cellulose nitrate track detectors were exposed to α-particles after γ-ray irradiation. These detectors were then etched with 25% solution of NaOH. The effect of γ-ray irradiation on α-particle registration on these detectors were investigated. It has been observed that γ-ray irradiation induces changes in bulk properties of detector material, that is, the increase of bulk etching rate and, with respect to track formation, the decrease of developing velocity of track diameter and the increase of sensitivity of track registration. From these results it is concluded that the effect of low LET radiation on track registration can not be ignored when the irradiation dose is higher than 107 rads. (auth.)