Measurement and comparative evaluation of the sensitivity V for protons and hydrogen isotopes registration in PADC detectors of type CR-39

Detectors of the PADC type CR-39 are the only plastic material which can register protons up to an energy of about 13 MeV because their very high sensitivity V. This sensitivity is assumed to be independent of the real etching conditions and therefore convenient for generalising the complex track formation process. In the present paper the sensitivity for registration of protons and hydrogen isotopic ions deuterons and tritons are investigated and parameterised to find functions of V applicable in calculation of track geometry during the etching process. Experimental data of bulk and track etch rates vB and vT are checked with previous measurements. Finally, by fitting these experimental data, parameterised V functions are recommended for use in theoretical calculations in order to predict the response of CR-39 to proton, deuteron and triton radiation.