Interactive system for scanning tracks in nuclear research emulsions

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Abstract
A computer-based interactive system has been developed and successfully used for scanning proton-recoil tracks in nuclear research emulsions. To our knowledge, this system is the first truly interactive system developed and used for emulsion scanning. Interfaces have been developed between the three fundamental interacting entities, namely man, microscope, and computer. Computer codes can be developed for different applications, thereby providing wide flexibility and versatility. Use of this system for neutron metrology is described. Differential neutron spectrometry as well as integral neutron dosimetry have been carried out in both 4π and unidirectional neutron fields. Results are presented which quantify the accuracy attained with this system for each of these different neutron measurement emulsion techniques. This system provides a substantial advance in the state-of-the-art of emulsion scanning in terms of both accuracy and cost effectiveness. The ability to store, in computer memory, all relevant emulsion and track parameters enables off-line data analyses which were heretofore not practical. The uncertainty in track length measurements with this system is approximately 0.52μ (1σ). While emulsion scanning rates vary for the different modes of system operation, scanning rates of 30 to 40 tracks/h have been typically obtained.