Etched track detector methods for the identification of target nuclear fragments in cosmic radiation and accelerator proton beams

In this article, two etched track detector methods for measuring short-range particles are presented and compared. The primary method employs observations of the evolution of the track geometry in intermittent etching, with the use of the appropriate track scanning procedures. The alternative method requires one-step etching and a specific analysis of the track parameters. Both methods proved to be effective in identifying target nuclear fragments amongst a high background from primary cosmic radiation. Additionally, the linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum of the target nuclear fragments, obtained onboard the International Space Station, was found to be consistent with the results from high-energy proton beams in ground-based experiments.

Automated summary

This article presents and compares two etched track detector methods for measuring short-range particles, one involving intermittent etching and the other one-step etching. Both methods have been proven effective in identifying target nuclear fragments.