Alpha track profile study and range determination in PADC plastic detectors

An extensive study of alpha particle track profile has been carried out in PADC plastic detectors. Track profile geometry and its parameters have been studied. Various values of alpha energies were used, and the etch rate ratio (V) was measured as a function of the residual range (RR) along the alpha particle track. A mathematical formula between V and RR was established. Also in this work, alpha particle ranges in plastic foils have been measured at various energies using two methods; namely the track profile technique (TPT) and the over etched track diameter method. A comparison between the measured ranges and calculated ones is presented, and a good agreement has been found.