Predicting latent track dimensions

Abstract

The increased use of columnar damage/latent tracks produced by MeV ions for scientific and technological applications provides ample justification for improving our understanding of the phenomenon. In this paper I give an overview of the systematics of tracks in several materials where the data are sufficiently extensive to make meaningful comparisons. These materials include yttrium iron garnet, crystalline quartz, muscovite mica, polystyrene, mylar, and cellulose triacetate. Although these data can be tied together fairly well by a simple, quantitative model, there are inconsistencies that suggest both that our understanding of the phenomenon and the relationship of data from different experiments need improvement.

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