Nuclear track detectors in astroparticle and nuclear physics

Results obtained by the use of nuclear track detectors in astroparticle and nuclear physics are presented. In particular, results of the searches for magnetic monopoles, nuclearites and other exotica in the cosmic radiation and an application for the determination of the charge spectrum of primary cosmic ray particles are discussed. Examples of the use of the nuclear track detectors for the measurement of the total and partial charge changing fragmentation cross-sections of relativistic ions in several targets are also reported. The capability of high charge resolution is further discussed in the search made for fractional charges at accelerators.