Technological Applications of Ion Tracks in Insulators

Abstract

Natural nuclear tracks in solids have existed since close to the beginning of the solar system, billions of years ago. Only during the last few decades have we learned how to employ tracks practically. Uses now range from radiation dosimetry to microchemical analysis, virus counting, oil and uranium exploration, and aiding earthquake prediction. The key to these applications is track etching, which in insulators allows tracks to be revealed simply and then enlarged. Etching also makes it possible to produce minute holes with clean, geometric shapes.