3-D TRACK ANALYSIS USING A CONFOCAL LASER-SCANNING MICROSCOPE

It is shown that a confocal laser scanning microscope can be used for 3-dimensional visualisation of chemically etched tracks in CR-39 if (a ) the tracks are dyed with a fluorophor and (b) the tracks are viewed directly with an oil immersion objective. Two dyeing methods are descr ibed. This new method of track visualisation has potential application s in the development of track formation models and offers new possibil ities for spectrometry and neutron capture radiography with nuclear tr ack detectors. Currently available procedures for track analysis are b riefly described and ideas regarding further developments are presente d.