Directly heated etching stand for electrochemical treatment of track detectors

The directly electrically heated etching stand has been developed for the electrochemical treatment of track detectors to avoid the time consuming overnight pre-heating and to simplify the procedure. The large plate electrode containing several heating elements on its rear side creates the main part of the etching stand. The temperature of the electrode connected to the control unit is variable within 30–70°C. Two types of etching stands were tested. The uniformity of the temperature distribution on the electrode surface, heating rate and stability of temperature were studied as the main parameters and the results are presented. The technical solution allows to construct smaller (even portable) devices for the electrochemical etching.