Abstract:
The present work describes the procedure for testing the suitability of a polyethylene terephthalate film
(after irradiation with heavy ions it is widely used in various fields) as an alpha-track detector. The
test was carried out in order to determine the prospects for the use of this film in studies evaluating
the indoor and outdoor radon concentrations. The study was conducted using a radionuclide source of
alpha particles Am-241. Irradiated film samples were chemically treated. In order to further compare the
results, unirradiated film samples were also chemically etched under the same conditions. To determine
the presence of tracks, compare and analyze their parameters, all samples were examined using a scanning
electron microscope. SEM images of the investigated samples are shown. The results obtained showed
the unsuitability of using these films for registration of alpha particles. Currently, studies of the indoor
and outdoor radon concentrations are being carried out using solid-state nuclear detector LR-115 based
on cellulose nitrate.
