Reduction in etching time for fission tracks in diallyl phthalate resin

Diallyl phthalate (DAP) resin plates were irradiated with fission fragments, and then etched in a conventional aqueous solution of KOH or a PEW solution containing ethanol, water and KOH. Etched tracks were observed and counted by using an optical microscope. The PEW solution made the fission tracks etch-pits clearer in an incomparably shorter etching time. The large and round etch-pits developed on a smooth surface were convenient for optical automatic counting. These etching characteristics of DAP in a PEW solution are suitable for quantitative analysis of fissionable materials and neutron dosimetry.