CR-39 track detector calibration with H and He beams for applications in the p-11B fusion reaction

Abstract

The 11B(p,α)2α reaction, generating three alpha particles, emerges as a promising alternative or complementary route for clean and efficient energy generation. A comprehensive understanding of reaction dynamics, energy distribution of emitted particles, and optimization of fusion efficiency requires precise diagnostic methods. CR39 detectors, being highly sensitive to ions and neutrons while remaining transparent to low fluxes of electrons and gammas, are extensively utilized as primary Solid State Nuclear Track Detector devices in laser-plasma environments. This study presents the CR-39 track detector calibration to low-energy protons and alpha particles. CR-39 irradiation took place at INFN-LNL (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare — Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, Legnaro, Italy) across a range of energies (≥ 80 keV) up to a few MeV, employing various etching times with a NaOH solution. The observed discrepancy in particle diameters, related to a specific etching time, presents a promising avenue for distinguishing alpha particles from proton contributions. This finding holds potential for future practical applications in the study of 11B(p,α)2α fusion reactions.