Single activation energy model of radiation damage in solid state nuclear track detectors

Abstract

Passage of heavy ions produces radiation damage trails known as latent tracks in a variety of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The empirical formulation of the Single Activation Energy Model is based on track annealing data collected in our laboratory from both isothermal and isochronal experiments performed on different types of SSNTDs, viz. glasses, plastics and minerals. Some equivalent versions of our model have been proposed but the concept of single activation energy is vindicated in all empirical formulations. It is interesting to remark that this model always yields a unique value of activation energy independent of the nature of ion beam used and its degree of annealing. The anisotropy of mineral SSNTDs is revealed by variation of activation energy along different crystal planes and even at different orientations of ion beam. Some recent experiments are a pointer to the successful exploitation of this model for future cosmic ray studies using SSNTDs.

Key Words:

• Solid state nuclear track detectors
• defects
• annealing
• heavy ions
• activation energy.