Effects of atomic hydrogen on polymeric track detectors

Abstract Effects of atomic hydrogen on the properties of three polymeric track detectors (polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate and polypropylene) were investigated. It was found that chemical reactions between hydrogen atoms and polymer molecules can influence on the etchability both of the polymer and material located in a track region. A possible role of the hydrogen radicals in the formation of etchable tracks is discussed.