Plastic film detectors for light and heavy element fission studies

Abstract

Thin (5 μm) polycarbonate plastic films can be used as large solid angle heavy-ion spectrometers. The molecular damage along the track of a heavy ion, that penetrates or nearly peńetrates the thin film, can be enhanced by chemical etching methods and detected with various techniques. A new technique is described in some detail that makes possible the discrimination between ions such as carbon and fission fragments in the presence of a large flux of electrons, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and alpha particles. The advantages and disadvantages of these detectors are discussed.