First international intercomparison of image analysers

Image analyser systems used for evaluating solid state nuclear track detect ors (SSNTD) were compared in order to establish minimum hardware and softwa re requirements and methodology necessary in different fields of radiation dosimetry. For the purpose, CR-39 detectors (TASL, Bristol, U.K.) were irra diated with different (n,a) and (n,p) converters in a reference Pu-Be neutr on field, in an underground laboratory with high radon concentration and by different ct sources at the Atomic Energy Research Institute (AERI) in Bud apest, Hungary. 6 sets of etched and pre-evaluated detectors and the 7th on e without etching were distributed among the 14 laboratories from 11 countr ies. The participants measured the different track parameters' and statisti cally evaluated the results, to determine the performance of their system. The statistical analysis of results showed high deviations from the mean va lues in many cases. As the conclusion of the intercomparison recommendation s were given to fulfill those requirements necessary to construct an approp riate image analyser system for evaluating SSNTDs.