D. Nikezic

Computer program TRACK_TEST for calculating parameters and plotting profiles for etch pits in nuclear track materials

Abstract A computer program called TRACK_TEST for calculating parameters (lengths of the major and minor axes) and plotting profiles in nuclear track materials resulted from light-ion irradiation and subsequent chemical etching is described. The programming steps are outlined, including calculations of alpha-particle ranges, determination of the distance along the particle trajectory penetrated by the chemical etchant, calculations of track coordinates, determination of the lengths of the major and minor axes and determination of the contour of the track opening. Descriptions of the program are given, including the built-in V functions for the two commonly employed nuclear track materials commercially known as LR 115 (cellulose nitrate) and CR-39 (poly allyl diglycol carbonate) irradiated by alpha particles. Program summary Title of the program: TRACK_TEST Catalogue identifier: ADWT Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queens University of Belfast, N. Ireland Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADWT Computer: Pentium PC Operating systems: Windows 95+ Programming language: Fortran 90 Memory required to execute with typical data: 256 MB No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2739 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 204 526 Distribution format: tar.gz External subprograms used: The entire code must be linked with the MSFLIB library Nature of problem: Fast heavy charged particles (like alpha particles and other light ions etc.) create latent tracks in some dielectric materials. After chemical etching in aqueous NaOH or KOH solutions, these tracks become visible under an optical microscope. The growth of a track is based on the simultaneous actions of the etchant on undamaged regions (with the bulk etch rate V b ) and along the particle track (with the track etch rate V t ). Growth of the track is described satisfactorily by these two parameters ( V b and V t ). Several models have been presented in the past describing the track development, one of which is the model of Nikezic and Yu (2003) [D. Nikezic, K.N. Yu, Three-dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters. Over-etched tracks, Radiat. Meas. 37 (2003) 39–45] used in the present program. The present computer program has been written to calculate coordinates of points on the track wall and to determine other relevant track parameters. Solution method: Coordinates of points on the track wall assuming normal incidence were calculated by using the method as described by Fromm et al. (1988) [M. Fromm, A. Chambaudet, F. Membrey, Data bank for alpha particle tracks in CR39 with energies ranging from 0.5 to 5 MeV recording for various incident angles, Nucl. Tracks Radiat. Meas. 15 (1988) 115–118]. The track is then rotated through the incident angle in order to obtain the coordinates of the oblique track [D. Nikezic, K.N. Yu, Three-dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters. Over-etched tracks, Radiat. Meas. 37 (2003) 39–45; D. Nikezic, Three dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters, Radiat. Meas. 32 (2000) 277–282]. In this way, the track profile in two dimensions (2D) was obtained. In the next step, points in the track wall profile are rotated around the particle trajectory. In this way, circles that outline the track in three dimensions (3D) are obtained. The intersection between the post-etching surface of the detector and the 3D track is the track opening (or the track contour). Coordinates of the track 2D and 3D profiles and the track opening are saved in separate output data files. Restrictions: The program cannot calculate track parameters for the incident angle of exactly 90°. The alpha-particle energy should be smaller than 10 MeV. Furthermore, the program cannot perform calculations for tracks in some extreme cases, such as for very low incident energies or very small incident angles. Additional comments: This is a freeware, but publications arising from using this program should cite the present paper and the paper describing the track growth model [D. Nikezic, K.N. Yu, Three-dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters. Over-etched tracks, Radiat. Meas. 37 (2003) 39–45]. Moreover, the references for the V functions used should also be cited. For the CR-39 detector: Function (1): S.A. Durrani, R.K. Bull, Solid State Nuclear Track Detection. Principles, Methods and Applications, Pergamon Press, 1987. Function (2): C. Brun, M. Fromm, M. Jouffroy, P. Meyer, J.E. Groetz, F. Abel, A. Chambaudet, B. Dorschel, D. Hermsdorf, R. Bretschneider, K. Kadner, H. Kuhne, Intercomparative study of the detection characteristics of the CR-39 SSNTD for light ions: Present status of the Besancon–Dresden approaches, Radiat. Meas. 31 (1999) 89–98. Function (3): K.N. Yu, F.M.F. Ng, D. Nikezic, Measuring depths of sub-micron tracks in a CR-39 detector from replicas using atomic force microscopy, Radiat. Meas. 40 (2005) 380–383. For the LR 115 detector: Function (1): S.A. Durrani, P.F. Green, The effect of etching conditions on the response of LR 115, Nucl. Tracks 8 (1984) 21–24. Function (2): C.W.Y. Yip, D. Nikezic, J.P.Y Ho, K.N. Yu, Chemical etching characteristics for cellulose nitrate, Mat. Chem. Phys. 95 (2005) 307–312. Running time: Order of several minutes, dependent on input parameters and the resolution requested by the user.

Effects of stirring on the bulk etch rate of CR-39 detector

Abstract It is well established that the bulk etch rates for solid state nuclear track detectors are affected by the concentration and the temperature of the etchant. Recently, we found that the bulk etch rate for the LR 115 detector to be affected by stirring during etching. In the present work, the effects of stirring on the bulk etch rate of the CR-39 detector is investigated. One set of sample was etched under continuous stirring by a magnetic stirrer at 70°C in a 6.25 N NaOH solution, while the other set of samples was etched without the magnetic stirrer. After etching, the bulk etch thickness was measured using Form Talysurf PGI (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, England). It was found that magnetic stirring did not affect the bulk etch of the CR-39 detector, which was in contrast to the results for the LR 115 detector.

Three-dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters: over-etched tracks

Three-dimensional analytical determinations of track parameters are extended to cases where the tracks are in the rounded and spherical phases of development. The equation for the track wall in three dimensions and the equation of contour line of the opening were derived for all types of tracks. The expression for the surface area of the track opening has also been found. The equations come up to the well-known expressions for minor and major axes for the special case of constant track etch rate.

A theoretical approach to indoor radon and thoron distribution

A model based on the Finite Element Method was developed to simulate indoor behavior of radon ((222)Rn), thoron ((220)Rn) and their progeny, as well as, to calculate their spatial distributions. Since complex physical processes govern the distribution several simplifications were made in the presented model. Different locations of possible radon/thoron sources, diffusion of these gases, their radioactive decay, etc were taken into account. Influences of different parameters on thoron/radon as well as indoor distribution of their progeny, such as the geometry and room dimension, the presence of aerosols and their size distribution expressed through the diffusion coefficient, different kinds of ventilation, etc, were investigated. It has been found that radon is distributed homogeneously, while the thoron concentration is rather inhomogeneous and decreases exponentially with the distance from the source. Regardless of the source distribution, the distribution of radon was homogeneous, except at places near an air inlet and outlet. However, the distribution of thoron depends on the source distribution. If thoron emanates from walls or the floor, its concentration decreases with the distance from the wall. Moreover, the concentration gradient is much larger near walls. This suggests that the actual selection of the site effect should be taken into account when obtaining a representative value of indoor (220)Rn and their progeny for dose assessment. The simulation results of activities and their distribution were in accordance with the results of other studies and experiments.

Input files with ORNL—mathematical phantoms of the human body for MCNP-4B

Abstract Protection against ionizing radiation requires information on the absorbed doses in organs of the human body. Implantation of many dosimeters in the human body is undesirable (or impossible), so the doses in organs are not measurable and some kind of dose calculation has to be applied. Calculation of doses in organs requests: (a) an exact description of the geometry of organs, (b) the chemical constitution of tissues, and (c) appropriate computer programs. The first two items, (a) and (b), make a so-called “phantom”. In another words, the “phantom of a human body” is a mathematical representation of the human body including all other relevant information. All organs are represented with geometrical bodies (like cylinders, ellipsoids, tori, cones etc.), which are described with suitable mathematical equations. A corresponding chemical constitution for various types of organ tissues is also defined. MCNP-4B ( M onte C arlo N - P article) is often used as transport code. Users of this software prepare an “input file” providing all necessary information for program execution. This information includes: (a) source definition—type of ionizing radiation, energy spectrum, and geometry of the source; (b) target definition—material constitution, geometry, location in respect to the source etc.; (c) characterization of absorbing media between the source and target; (d) output tally, etc. This paper presents input files with “human phantoms” for the MCNP-4B code. The input files with “phantoms” were prepared based on publications issued by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Seven input files relating to different age groups (newborn, 1, 5, 10, 15 years, as well as, male and female adults) are presented here. A test example and comparison with other data found in literature are also given. Program summary Title of program: INPUT FILES, AMALE, AFEMALE, AGE15, AGE10, AGE5, AGE01, NEWB Catalogue identifier: ADYF_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADYF_v1_0 Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queens University of Belfast, N. Ireland Computer: PC Pentium 3+ Operating systems: Windows 98 Programming language used: Fortran Memory required to execute with typical data: 128 MB No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2879 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 23 151 Distribution format: tar.gz External subprograms used: The entire code must be linked with the MCNP-4B Nature of problem: The human body and all organs are represented with equations of 3D geometrical bodies. All equations and other relevant data (material composition, densities, etc.) were programmed as input files for MCNP-4B

Three dimensional analytical determination of the track parameters

Abstract An analytical three dimensional method was applied in determination of the track parameters. The general three dimensional equation of the track wall was derived. This equation was used for the determination of the track parameters for constant and variable V t . The formulas for constant V t are equal to the previously given expressions obtained in another independent manner. The general equations of contour line, width and length of the track opening (for V t ≠constant) were derived.

Bulk etching rate of LR115 detectors

The thickness of the layer of LR115 detector removed during etching was measured with a very precise instrument. Dependence of the bulk etch rate on temperature of the etching solution was investigated. It has been found that the etch rate is (3.27 +/- 0.08) microm/h at 60 degrees C in 10%NaOH of water solution. It was also found that the track density in the detector irradiated to radon and its progeny increases linearly with the removed layer.

Calculations of track parameters and plots of track openings and wall profiles in CR39 detector

Computer programs have been developed to calculate track parameters and to plot track openings and wall profiles. The programs are based on equations derived for three-dimensional consideration of track development. All possible cases of track openings and wall profiles are obtainable from these equations. Results are given for lengths of major and minor axes, track depths and surface areas of track openings. Some examples of track openings and wall profiles are also presented.

Heavy metals, organics and radioactivity in soil of western Serbia

Western Serbia is a region well-known for potato production. Concentrations of selected metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and radioactivity were measured in the soil in order to evaluate the quality and characteristics. The examined soils (Luvisol and Pseudogley) showed unsuitable agrochemical characteristics (acid reaction, low content of organic matter and potassium). Some samples contained Ni, Mn and Cr above the maximal permissible concentration (MPC). The average concentration of total PAHs was 1.92 mg/kg, which is larger than the maximal permissible concentration in Serbia but below the threshold values in the European Union for food production. The average radioactivity of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and the fission product (137)Cs were 60.4+/-26.2, 33.2+/-13.4, 49.1+/-18.5, 379+/-108 and 36.4+/-23.3 Bq/kg. Enhanced radioactivity in the soils was found. The total absorbed dose rate in air above the soil at 1m height calculated for western Serbia was 73.4 nGy/h and the annual effective dose was 90 microSv, which are similar to earlier reports for the study region.

Simulation of the track growth and determining the track parameters

We have found the equation of the etch pit wall in solid state nuclear track detectors, as follows: y=−∫dx(V(x)2 −1)12+C where: x is the distance along a track from the point where the particle entered the detector; V(x) is the ratio of the track etch rate to the bulk etch rate; C is the integration constant that can be determined from particle penetration depth, and y is the normal distance from the particle trajectory to the etch pit wall. The equation is derived assuming the increasing track etch rate Vt along the particle trajectory. The above equation can be used for the simulation of the track growth and calculating the major and the minor axis of the etch pit opening. The corresponding computer program was set up. The input parameters of this program are: alpha particle energy, incidence angle and removed layer: the output are track parameters. The results obtained by this method are compared with another approach given by Somogyi and Szalay (1973) and reasonably good agreement is found.