Suitability testing of polyethylene terephthalate film as a solid-state nuclear track detector for using in radon studies

Abstract

The present work describes the procedure for testing the suitability of a polyethylene terephthalate film (after irradiation with heavy ions it is widely used in various fields) as an alpha-track detector. The test was carried out in order to determine the prospects for the use of this film in studies evaluating the indoor and outdoor radon concentrations. The study was conducted using a radionuclide source of alpha particles Am-241. Irradiated film samples were chemically treated. In order to further compare the results, unirradiated film samples were also chemically etched under the same conditions. To determine the presence of tracks, compare and analyze their parameters, all samples were examined using a scanning electron microscope. SEM images of the investigated samples are shown. The results obtained showed the unsuitability of using these films for registration of alpha particles. Currently, studies of the indoor and outdoor radon concentrations are being carried out using solid-state nuclear detector LR-115 based on cellulose nitrate.