Measurement of alpha-decay constant to fission cross section ratio for actinides using solid state nuclear track detectors

A simple technique based on the measurement of the ratio of alpha-decay con stant to neutron induced fission cross section for pure actinides using sol id state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) is developed for the identificati on of the actinides in trace levels in pure solutions The alpha-decay const ant to fission cross section ratios for depleted U, Pu-238, Pu-239 and Pu-2 40 have been measured for the epicadmium neutron induced fission of these a ctinides. The measured values are (6.19+/-0.34). 10(6), (6.95+/-0.26). 10(1 2),(2.12+/-0.95). 10(9) and(2.18+/-1.58). 10(11) sec(-1) cm(-2), respective ly. These ratios can be used for the trace level identification of pure act inides.