https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02266-2
Regular Article
Increased sensitivity in optical scanning of irradiated CR39 foils with liquid thin films
Helsinki Institute of Physics, University of Helsinki, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
a
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Received:
13
December
2025
Accepted:
8
March
2026
Published online:
18
March
2026
Abstract
The MoEDAL experiment employs solid-state nuclear track detector foils around Interaction Point 8 to search for traces of highly ionizing particles. The selected material, CR-39, has been used in several experiments and is capable of detecting ionization tracks down to the level of oxygen ions. However, due to the high-radiation environment of the Large Hadron Collider, the material becomes opaque after chemical etching and exhibits strong scattering properties. This complicates the identification of low-ionization tracks. By deploying liquid thin films on both sides of the irradiated foils and using machine-vision techniques, etch pits in the foils can be detected and classified.
© The Author(s) 2026
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