Calibration of track detectors for fission rate determination: An experimental and theoretical study

The calibration factor w, for the determination of fission rate in fissionable materials using the track detectors (mica, Lavsan and soda glass) was studied experimentally and by the Monte Carlo method. The calibration factor relates the fission track density to the number of fission-inducing particles. It is shown that a w obtained via low-energy particle-induced fission, can be used for the determination of fission rate in a particle (neutron) field with an unknown energy spectrum and angular distribution, if in the determination of w and in its subsequent use, the mean density of the tracks in the track detectors on either side of the fission foil is used.