Nuclear track radiography of “Hot” aerosol particles

Nuclear track radiography was applied to identify aerosol “hot” particles which contain elements of nuclear fuel and fallout after Chernobyl NPP accident. For the determination of the content of transuranium elements in radioactive aerosols the measurement of the -activity of “hot” particles by SSNTD was used in this work, as well as radiography of fission fragments formed as a result of the reactions (n,f) and (γ,f) in the irradiation of aerosol filters by thermal neutrons and high energy gamma quanta. The technique allowed the sizes and alpha-activity of “hot” particles to be determined without extracting them from the filter, as well as the determination of the uranium content and its enrichment by ²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu and ²⁴¹Pu isotopes. Sensitivity of determination of alpha activity by fission method is 5×10⁻⁶ Bq per particle. The software for the system of image analysis was created. It ensured the identification of track clusters on an optical image of the SSNTD surface obtained through a video camera and the determination of size and activity of “hot” particles.     

Swelling and structure of radiation induced near-surface damage in CR-39 and its chemical etching

Systematic measurements of swelling of CR-39 nuclear track detector (NTD) due to irradiation with fission fragments and alpha particles over a wide range of fluences from ²⁵²Cf are presented here. Precisely designed and optimized exposure and chemical etching experiments were employed to unfold the structure of radiation induced surface damage. Delays in the startup of the chemical etching of latent tracks in low radiation fluence detectors are measured and are found to contain important information about structure of the surface damage. Simple atomic scale pictures of radiation induced surface damage and its chemical etching are developed using measurements of radiation induced swelling of CR-39 detectors and nuclear track parameters. The computer code SRIM2010 was utilized for the calculations of basic features of latent tracks of fission fragments and alpha particles in CR-39. Another computer code TRACK_VISION was used to compute parameters of etched tracks. Computations and experimental findings in the paper coherently compose a realistic picture of radiation damage.     

Fission cross section and fragment angular distribution in gold fission induced by 55 MeV alpha particles using solid state nuclear track detectors

The angular distribution of fission fragments in alpha induced fission has been studied at an incident energy of 55 MeV in¹⁹⁷Au target. The relative differential fission cross sections were measured at different angles between 10° and 170° and the resulting angular distributions fitted by least squares method with Legendre polynomials. In the present work, a correction for the self-scattering and self-absorption of fission fragments in the target itself was applied and a target of 3 mg/cm² was used to get good statistics. The anisotropy for 55 MeV alpha induced fission of gold was 2·83±0·43 and the fission cross section calculated by integrating the measured angular distributions over all the solid angles was 5·2±1.0 mb, confirming the value of 4·0±0·05 mb reported by Burnettet al but contrary to the high value of 10±3 mb reported by Ralarosyet al.     

Ternary fission involving4He emission in the16O (144 MeV)+232Th and12C (108 MeV)+197Au reactions

The results of coincidence measurements of⁴He emission with fission fragments in reactions of¹²C(108 MeV) ions with a¹⁹⁷Au target and of¹⁶O(144 MeV) ions with a²³²Th target are presented. On the basis of a Monte Carlo kinematic simulation of nuclear reactions the experimental energy spectra and velocity distributions of alpha particles have been analyzed. A conclusion has been drawn that the main source of⁴ He emission is evaporation from the fissioning compound nucleus. Substantial part of alpha particles was emitted from fully accelerated fission fragments. Some of⁴He nuclei with an average energy of about 16 MeV (in the CM system) emitted mainly perpendicular to the fission axis were identified as being similar long-range alpha particles produced in ternary fission of heavy nuclei at a low excitation energy. The emission multiplicities of these particles are considerably higher than those observed at a low excitation energy. The experimental results are compared with the statistical model predictions.     

Fission fragment angular distribution in alpha-particle-induced fission of actinide elements

Using Lexan polycarbonate plastic as the fission fragment track detectors, the fragment angular distributions have been measured in the cases of fission of²³²Th and²³⁸U induced by alpha particles of various energies ranging from 40 to 70MeV obtained from the 88″ variable energy cyclotron at Calcutta. The center-of-mass angular distributions have been calculated and fitted by a series of Legendre polynomials. TheW(10°)/W(90°) ratios (defined as anisotropy) were measured at several energies for both the targets. These data are utilized in calculation of the energy dependence ofK ₀ ² , the standard deviation of the distribution in the angular momentum projection on the nuclear symmetry axis at the saddle point. Values of Γ _f /Γ _η , i.e. the ratio of the fission width to neutron emission width have been determined for²³²Th and²³⁸U nuclei. The integral cross-section for alpha induced fission in each target was determined by numerical integration of the respective center-of-mass angular differential cross-sections. The results were compared with similar data available in the literature which served to resolve some of the discrepancies observed in earlier measurements. The results were also compared with theoretical cross-sections.     

Track revelation and optical properties of pentaerythritol tetrakis (allyl carbonate) plastic for application as nuclear track detector: effects of gamma radiations

The etching conditions of an indigenously prepared thin film of pentaerythritol tetrakis(allyl carbonate) (PETAC) were standardised for the use as a nuclear track detector. The optimum etching times in 6?N NaOH at 70°C for the appearance of fission and alpha tracks recorded in this detector from a ²⁵²Cf solid source were found to be 30 min and 1.50?h, respectively. The experimentally determined values for the bulk and track-etch rates for this detector in 6?N NaOH at 70°C were found to be 1.7?±?0.1 and 88.4?±?10.7?µm/h, respectively. From these results, the important track etching properties such as the critical angle of etching, the sensitivity and the fission track registration efficiency were calculated and compared with the commercially available detectors. The activation energy value for bulk etching calculated by applying Arrhenius equation to the bulk etch rates of the detector determined at different etching temperatures was found to be 0.86?±?0.02?eV. This compares very well with the value of about 1.0?eV reported for most commonly used track detectors. The effects of gamma irradiation on this new detector in the dose range of 200–1000?kGy have also been studied using bulk etch rate technique. The activation energy values for bulk etching calculated from bulk etch rates measurements at different temperatures were found to decrease with the increase in gamma dose indicating scission of the detector due to gamma irradiation. The optical band gap of this detector was also determined using UV–visible spectrometry and the value was found to be 4.37?±?0.05?eV.     

CR-39核径迹探测器及其在核科学等研究领域中的应用

介绍了一种核径迹探测器ＣＲ－３９塑料的特性,这种探测器对逞电粒子非常灵敏,它还具有稳定、透明等特点,可记录ｐ、ａ粒子,裂变碎片和其他带电粒子,它是现有固体核径迹探测器中能量沉积密度探测阈最低的材料,介绍了ＣＲ－３９对带电粒子的响应,给出了各种带电粒子的ｖＴ对限定能量损失（ＲＥＬ）的响应曲线,利用ＣＲ－３９与转换屏的组合还可测定能量范围广的中子能谱,可作为方便的个人中子剂量计,介绍了ＣＲ－３９在研究     

Characteristics of diallyl phthalate resin as a fission track detector

Diallyl phthalate (DAP) resin plates were irradiated with fission fragments, and then etched in aqueous solution of KOH. Etched tracks were observed and counted by using an optical microscope. The detection efficiency of fission fragments was about 100% for both perpendicular and random incidence. DAP plates were insensitive to alpha particles and fast neutrons. These characteristics are suitable for detecting selected fission fragments, which coexist with alpha particles or fast neutrons. DAP plates are valuable for quantitative analysis of fissionable materials and neutron dosimetry. DAP and allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39) were formed into copolymers in various ratios. The copolymers showed intermediate characteristics between DAP and CR-39. The fabrication of the copolymers made it possible to control the discrimination level for detection of heavy charged particles.     

Track shapes,etching characteristics and track density distribution on different planes of apatite

Abstract

Studies concerning track shapes, etching characteristics and track density due to spontaneous fission of uranium along various crystallographic planes of apatite are represented. The studies were carried out on large complete crystals as well as on small grains of apatite belonging to various geological origins. Three track types (hexagonal, pyramidal and needle type) have been identified along various crystallographic planes.     

Single-sheet identification method of heavy charged particles using solid state nuclear track detectors

The theoretical and experimental investigations of the penetration of charged particles in matter played a very important role in the development of modern physics. Solid state nuclear track detectors have become one of the most important tools for many branches of science and technology. An attempt has been made to examine the suitability of the single-sheet particle identification technique in CR-39 and CN-85 polycarbonate by plotting track cone length vs. residual range for different heavy ions in these detectors. So, the maximum etchable ranges of heavy ions such as ⁹³Nb, ⁸⁶Kr and ⁴He in CR-39 and ⁴He and ¹³²Xe in CN-85 polycarbonate have been determined. The ranges of these ions in these detectors have also been computed theoretically using the Henke-Benton program. A reasonably good agreement has been observed between the experimentally and theoretically computed values.      

Detection efficiency of fission tracks in apatite related to mica external detectors by the spike irradiation technique

Detection efficiency of fission tracks in non-annealed and annealed Durango apatite crystals related to mica external detectors for fission track dating was estimated experimentally using the spike irradiation technique [Suzuki, 2002a. Abstracts of 21st International Conference on Nuclear Tracks in Solids, p. 22]. The relation of the fission track density between apatite samples and mica external detectors is an important parameter for the determination of fission track ages using an absolute approach especially for crystalline minerals. Spike irradiation of uranium-235-induced fission fragments was carried out using a high uranium content glass, GE1497, fixed firmly on the sample surface. Experimental works were carried out for sections parallel and perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis of apatite. The detection efficiency of fission tracks in non-annealed apatite related to the mica external detectors was estimated to be 0.90 for the prism face and 0.99 for the basal face. The fission track age of Durango apatite averaged for the prism and basal faces was estimated to be 30.6 (±2.5) Ma, which is concordant with reference values reported previously, using the detection efficiency data with a B₀ value of the CN5 monitor glass and a U-238 spontaneous decay constant value of . The results also indicate that the B₀ age calibration method can be used effectively for the absolute evaluation of fission track ages of apatite.     

Unified Mechanism behind the Appearance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>-Odd TRI and ROT Asymmetries in Actinide Fission Induced by Cold Polarized Neutrons

Some shortcomings of the approaches that are used to describe T-odd ROT and TRI asymmetries in true ternary fission via reactions involving the emission of prescission alpha particles and which are based on employing the classical method of trajectory calculations are analyzed. These shortcomings are caused by the disregard of the interference between the fission widths of different sJ_s neutron resonance states formed in the first well of the deformation potential of fissile compound nuclei. It is shown that the method used in some studies to determine T-odd TRI-asymmetries for prescission alpha particles is at odds with basic concepts of the generalizedmodel of the nucleus and approaches to constructing collective (for example, bending) vibrations of a fissile compound nucleus. Quantum-mechanical fission theory is generalized via employing a unified mechanism of formation of T-odd TRI and ROT asymmetries for prescission alpha particles and evaporated photons (neutrons). The proposed mechanism takes correctly into account the effect of quantum rotation of a fissile compound nucleus on the angular distributions of fission fragments and alpha particles for true ternary fission, as well as on the angular distribution of prompt photons (neutrons) emitted by fragments originating from the delayed fission of the aforementioned nuclei.     

Backscattering of Relativistic Electrons Incident on a Planar Foil at a Small Angle to Its Surface

Photographs of cross sections of an electron beam backscattered from a thin tungsten target have been obtained on a dosimetric film. The procession of images makes it possible to obtain the spatial distribution of backscattered particles. The angles of back reflection θ_br of electron beams from foils have been measured. A 7.4-MeV microtron has been used as a source of electrons. The experiments have been performed with a tungsten foil 386 mg/cm² (200 μm) thick and a tantalum foil 1328 mg/cm² (800 μm) thick. Particles have been injected at an angle of α = 10° to the foil surface. The Monte Carlo simulation of the scattering of relativistic electrons incident on a planar target at small angles to its surface has been performed. The spatial and energy distributions of backscattered particle fluxes both transmitted through the target and reflected from it have been calculated. The dependences of fluxes on the direction of injection of particles and on the material and thickness of the target have been considered.     

Charged particle induced ternary fission

Ternary fission has been investigated by irradiating a natural uranium target with 13.5 MeV deuterons. The energy and angular distributions of ternary alpha particles do not differ from those observed in spontaneous or thermal neutron induced fission. The angle between alpha particles and light fragments has a most probable value of \(\bar \vartheta _{\ell f - \alpha } = 82.1 \circ \pm 0.6 \circ \) with a dispersion (FWHM) of \(\Delta \vartheta = 18.4 \circ \pm 1.2 \circ \) . The corresponding values of the energy distribution are \(\bar E\alpha \) =(14.8 ±0.5)MeV and ΔE(FWHM)= (9.1±1.1)MeV. The peak-to-valley ratio of the ternary fission fragment mass distribution is found to increase with increasing alpha energy. For near-symmetric mass division a strong broadening of the angular distribution is observed.     

Measurement of the fission moment of inertia of medium mass nuclides

Measurements have been made, by means of mica nuclear track detectors, of the distributions in tracklength and the angular distributions with respect to the beam direction for the fission fragments from the systems Ag, Te and Au plus 80-MeV alpha particles. Analysis of the tracklength distributions indicated that, in each case, full momentum transfer from the incident projectile characterized those interactions that led to fission. Angular-momentum dependent statistical model calculations for the decay of the respective compound nuclei then provided information on fission-evaporation competition in the de-excitation processes, and in particular the distribution in nuclear temperature and angular momentum at which the fission events took place. This information was then employed in the analysis of the measured fission fragment angular distributions, and to extractK ₀ ² values. From these, the moments of inertia of the fission saddle point shapes were calculated, and the results are in good agreement with theoretical estimates.     

On alpha particle spectroscopy based on the over-etched track length in PADC (CR-39 detector)

In the current work, alpha particle spectroscopy is investigated experimentally by utilizing the over-etched track lengths in the CR-39 detector. CR-39 samples were exposed perpendicularly to alpha particles emitted from ²⁴¹Am with an energy ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 MeV. CR-39 samples were etched in 6.25 N NaOH at (70±0.5)°C for different durations. The track diameter and track length were measured under an optical microscope. The results show that, the energy-over-etched track length calibration curve is monotonic, in other words, the over-etched track length is a monotonic function in alpha particle energy. On the other hand, the energy-diameter calibration curve is degenerated, i.e. alpha track diameter is non-monotonic function in alpha particle energy. These results suggest that the CR-39 detector could be used as a wide range alpha particles spectrometer using an energy-over-etched track length calibration curve.     

Parity nonconservation in binary and ternary nuclear fission induced by polarized neutrons

Within the quantum-mechanical theory of the nuclear-fission process, the conditions of the emergence of coherent effects in the angular distributions of fragments originating from the binary and ternary fission of polarized nuclei are analyzed with allowance for the properties of transition fission states. In the case of ternary fission, the coefficients of P-odd asymmetry in the angular distributions of a light particle and a third particle, which is taken here to be an alpha particle, are calculated under the assumption that the third particle and two fragments are produced through a one-step mechanism. In order to confirm the ideas developed here, it is proposed to repeat, at a higher level of statistical accuracy, experiments devoted to seeking P-odd asymmetries for alpha particles in the ternary fission of nuclei.     

In-beam investigation of ternary fission

Nuclear fission accompanied by long-range alpha particles has been investigated. Fission was induced by irradiating a natural uranium target with 13.5 MeV deuterons. The alpha energy and angular distributions are similar to those observed in spontaneous or thermal neutron induced fission. The correlation angle between alpha particles and light fission fragments has a most probable value of \(\bar \vartheta _{l f - \alpha } = 82.1^\circ \pm 0.9^\circ \) and a dispersion (FWHM) of Δ?=18.4°±1.2°. The mean value and dispersion of the energy distribution are \(\bar {\rm E}_\alpha = 14.8 \pm 1.0 MeV\) and ΔE=9.1±1.2 MeV (FWHM), respectively. The peak-to-valley ratio of the ternary fission fragment mass distribution is found to increase with increasing alpha energy. For near-symmetric mass division, a strong broadening of the angular distribution is observed. The results are discussed in the frame of a multichannel-fission model.     

Indpeendent Yields of Iodine and Tellurium Isotopes in Fission of 232 Thorium with 30.5 MeV Alpha Particles

Iodine and tellurium isotopes produced in the fission of ²³²Th with 30.5 MeV alpha particles were separated using a method of sublimation in an air stream and the independent yields of ¹³⁰I, ¹³¹I, ^132m,gI, ¹³³I ¹³⁴I, ^134m,gTe, ^133mTe and ¹³⁴Te (cumulative) were determined by means of high resolution Ge(Li) γ-ray spectrometry. A Gaussian fit to the experimental data was used to obtain the width parameter σ_z and the most probable charge Z_p of the nuclear charge distribution in the isobaric chains 130 – 131. The most probable masses for fission fragments with Z = 52 and Z = 53 were also deduced from the measured fission yields.     

Measurement of fast neutron induced fission cross section of thorium using Lexan plastic track detector

Fission-track registration characteristics of Lexan solid state nuclear track detectors have been used to measure the fast neutron induced fission cross section of²³²Th. The fast neutrons (?14.2MeV) were produced with the help of an AN-400 model Van-de-Graaff accelerator at Banaras Hindu University laboratory using³H(²H,n)⁴He reaction and were used to irradiate the fissile target deposited on the plastic detector. The track densityT, registered on the plastic detector is related to the fission cross sectionσ _f, through the relationT=knσ _føt wheren is the number of fissile atoms per cm² in the deposit, ø is the neutron flux,k is fission track registration efficiency andt is the time of irradiation. The fission cross sectionσ _f of²³²Th, relative to the well measured fission cross section of²³⁸U, was found to be 0.36±0.04 barn.