Neutron response calculation on the basis of variable trace etch rates along the secondary particle trajectories in CR-39

The calculation of the response of CR-39 detectors exposed to neutrons is o f high importance for their dosimetric application. A computer code system has been developed for this purpose. Whereas the generation of secondary ch arged particles is carried out using non-analogue Monte-Carlo techniques wi th variance reduction the simulation of the track formation process is trea ted without any free parameter starting from the etch rate ratio V(REL) onl y. Results are given for the contribution of recoil protons to the response as a function of the neutron energy and angle of incidence. Furthermore, t he influence of an external radiator has been studied. The comparison of th e calculated values with experimental data confirm the reliability of the t rack etch model applied.