Optimization of the heavy nuclei track etching in olivine crystals from meteorites

The investigations of the track etching velocity dependence for nuclei with Z ≥ 50 on pH of the etching solution in the olivine crystals from Marjalahti and Eagle Station meteorites, containing Galactic cosmic-ray nuclear tracks and also the crystals from Marjalahti meteorite, calibrated at the UNILAC (GSI, Darmstadt) with 14,17 MeV/N 208Pb nuclei, were performed. The pH values of the etching solution were changed from 7.8 to 9.4. It is shown that the optimal track etch condition was realized at pH of etching solution in the interval from 8.4 to 8.8. The results of the Galactic cosmic-ray nuclei tracks with Z ≥ 83 revealed in olivine crystals are presented. They were additionally irradiated at 90 deg to the surface with accelerated 14 MeV/N 132Xe nuclei. (author). 5 refs., 2 figs