Effect of ArF excimer laser irradiation on allyldiglycol carbonate (CR-39) polymer

In this paper, the effect of ArF excimer laser (193 nm) irradiation on CR-39 polymers was investigated. The polymers were divided into three sets. The first set of polymers was irradiated with ArF laser below the ablation threshold fluence and the second set was irradiated above the ablation threshold fluence with different number of pulses. The third set of polymers was irradiated with ArF laser (below the ablation threshold fluence) and then was exposed to alpha particles emitted from 241Am. After that, the samples were chemically etched in a 6.25 N NaOH solution. The morphology of the samples was investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the registered tracks of alpha particles were investigated using an optical microscope. The results showed that worm-like structures and several cones were formed on the polymer surfaces due to laser irradiation and also the tracks diameter was decreased. So, the surface of the polymer was hardened due to irradiation.