GAMMA-RAY RESPONSE FUNCTION OF SOME POLYMERIC NUCLEAR TRACK DETECTORS

The effect of gamma dose on the bulk-etch rate measurements for some g amma-irradiated polymeric nuclear track detectors was extensively stud ied. Various plastic samples of CR-39 allyl diglycol carbonate, Makrof ol-E and Lexan polycarbonates were used and exposed to gamma doses up to 30.0 Mrad. The bulk-etch rate ratio V(BD)/V(BO), i.e. the bulk-etch rate of irradiated samples to the unirradiated ones, was measured at the most recommended optimum etching conditions. Fading behaviour of i rradiated CR-39 samples was also studied at room temperature and for a duration of up to 8 days. It was found that the etch-rate ratio for t he CR-39 specimens was dose-dependent. In contrast, the polycarbonate samples showed an extremely weak response to gamma irradiation. The re sults of the present work reflected great evidence of the gamma dosime tric potential of CR-39 plastic detectors, which can indeed be recomme nded as gamma-dosimeters within the studied dose range.