Analysis of Triton and Alpha Particle Tracks in CR-39 from Lithium-6 Fission Reaction*

Methods have been developed to observe the products of ⁶Li fission reactions in CR-39 particle detector polymer. Using optical microscope and SEM imaging, the CR-39 has been analyzed, showing ample evidence of alpha particle and triton tracks. The incident angle and track depth are clearly visible in the SEM imaging, which allows for greater research into the nature of the nuclear reaction. These images are believed to be the first including both alpha particle and triton tracks to be published. Methods are being developed to determine particle energy at the time of collision with the CR-39. In conjunction with this laboratory work, machine learning is being implemented to accelerate and streamline CR-39 analysis in a new program.