A DISCUSSION ON THE RELIABILITY OF ALPHA-SPECTROSCOPY USING CR-39 ANDAN IMAGE-PROCESSOR

In this work, experimental results indicating that CR-39 can be employ ed as a long-term alpha-spectrometer are shown. Tracks due to alpha-pa rticles reaching the detector at angles close to the normal of its sur face and having known energies were produced by means of exposing CR-3 9 sheets to thin films of uranium and thorium placed at convenient dis tances. These tracks were analysed by using an automated system. Both the area of the tracks and their mean optical intensity were measured. Our results indicate these two parameters can be used in order to obt ain information about the alpha-particle energy (E). The reliability o f the use of CR-39 as an alpha-spectrometer as well as its employment in radon daughters dosimetry are discussed.