title: A simple apparatus for quick qualitative analysis of CR39 nuclear track detectors.
abstract: Quantifying the ion pits in Columbia Resin 39 (CR39) nuclear track detector from Thomson parabolas is a time consuming and tedious process using conventional microscope based techniques. A simple inventive apparatus for fast screening and qualitative analysis of CR39 detectors has been developed, enabling efficient selection of data for a more detailed analysis. The system consists simply of a green He-Ne laser and a high-resolution digital single-lens reflex camera. The laser illuminates the edge of the CR39 at grazing incidence and couples into the plastic, acting as a light pipe. Subsequently, the laser illuminates all ion tracks on the surface. A high-resolution digital camera is used to photograph the scattered light from the ion tracks, enabling one to quickly determine charge states and energies measured by the Thomson parabola.
authors.affiliation: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Gautier
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kline
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Flippo
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gaillard
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Letzring
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Hegelich
mesh_terms: D001128:Argon / Q000737:chemistry; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D004867:Equipment Design; D007477:Ions; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D011522:Protons; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D007477:Ions; D011522:Protons; D001128:Argon; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen