Updates to TRACK_TEST and TRACK_VISION Computer Programs

• Main Authors: Dragoslav Nikezic, Jelena M. Stajic, Kwan Ngok Yu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: solid-state nuclear track detectors; SSNTDs; track development; track profile; optical appearance
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/4/560

The computer programs TRACK_TEST and TRACK_VISION were previously developed to model profiles and optical appearances of tracks developed in solid-state nuclear track detectors. The programs were based on a track development model that involved the bulk etch rate <i>V_b</i> and the track etch rate <i>V_t</i> or the <i>V</i> function (i.e., <i>V_t</i>/<i>V_b</i>). The present work reported our work to update and modify these two programs. In the revised TRACK_TEST, two new <i>V</i> functions were added and enabled. Sample results for the CR-39 detector obtained using the three original and the two new <i>V</i> functions were compared. Discrepancies were within ~10% and <14% for incident alpha-particle energies of 1 MeV and >1 MeV, respectively. Another major revision of TRACK_TEST was to enable calculations for the Makrofol detector. In the revised TRACK_VISION, the two new <i>V</i> functions, as well as the option for the Makrofol detector, were also added. The experimental results on the Makrofol detectors were obtained (irradiated with 3.6-MeV alpha particles under normal incidence and then etched to achieve a removed detector thickness of 30 μm) for comparisons with the modeled results using the revised TRACK_VISION. The track diameters obtained from the experiment and model were 24.7 and 23.2 μm, respectively. Moreover, a bright area in the central parts, together with an outer dark ring, were present in both the simulated and experimental tracks. The track-opening diameters and the general optical appearances of the tracks were in good agreement.