Optimization of background track reduction in polycarbonate solid-state nuclear track detectors

Reduction of background track in solid state nuclear track detectors is an important topic in dosimetry. The main objective of this research is to optimize the reduction of background track using the chemical pre-etching process for removal of surface layer of the detector followed by electrochemical etching process. In this regard, the chemical reaction between a polycarbonate detector and ethylenediamine solution with various density portion of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% is studied. Accordingly, some empirical relationships between removed layer thickness and etching time in different solution density are derived. The results of experiments illustrate that best outcome in the uniformity of etching can be achieved at density of 40% with 50% of background track reduction.