Nuclear track evolution by capillary condensation during etching in SSNT detectors

The microscopic process taking place during chemical etching is described in terms of a dynamic framework governed by capillary condensation. The aim is to obtain physical information on how the cone shaped tracks with curved walls evolve during chemical etching under a close examination of first principles. The results obtained with the proposed theory are compared with published values to establish their range of validity.

► Capillary condensation seems to play a role at early etched track evolution.
► The etched track shape and the first principles behind it are easily related.
► In spite of its simplicity, theory was able to pass stringent experimental tests.
► Theory results have a simple analytical form which includes etch induction time.