CR-39 for Nuclear Particle Track Detection

The thermoset polymer, CR-39, is used in nuclear particle tracing and calorimetry as a solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD). When a high energy particle impacts the polymer it breaks bonds and allows for preferential etching during post-exposure processing. These etched tracks can then be observed and characterized under a microscope.

CR-39 is sensitive to many particles such as energetic protons, alpha-particles and heavier ions, and fast neutrons. Thermal/epithermal neutrons can be detected by doping CR-39 with boron to produce the 10B(n,a)7Li reaction and subsequent alpha-particle detection.

This SSNTD has a wide variety of applications of radiation measurement, including home radon detection, dosimetry, and is a less visceral display of radiation damage for educators.

Click here for more information for best practice for the use of CR-39.

Click here for electron microscope web application image. This image is of our CR-39 exposed to Am-241 alpha particles. Notice the direction of impact and depth of penetration. Here is the same image with AI labeling of features.

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Varied energy alpha particles in CR-39

5.5 MeV alpha particles striking the CR-39 from various angles.

5.5 MeV alpha particles with energies moderated by passing through aerogel.

Alpha particles striking CR-39 through large aperture
CR-39 overexposure to alpha particles

Alpha particles striking CR-39 through a large aperture.

Overexposure of CR-39 to alpha particles.