Specifications (exact specification may vary, contact TASL for details)

• A highly sophisticated image analysis system supplied with 64-bit Dell computer with Windows 11.
• Fully automated high specification system with high throughput and unparalleled accuracy and low background. The system can read both our own proprietary format of detectors, including an alphanumeric code, and also the "Autoscan" style of detectors, including automatic ID reading.
• Nikon optics with x10 or x20 objective, depending on camera choice. Other lens sizes available. Highly stable, long-life LED light source.
• Camera: we use the latest high specification large format cameras with typical image magnification ~0.5 x 0.5 µm per pixel: JAI GO5000M-USB or Basler aca2040-120um. Camera specification will vary depending on user application. Contact TASL for options.
• Sophisticated autofocus, including live tracking of the plastic surface. Download presentation showing the autofocus and live tracking.
• Ultrafast scanning speed, typically 100 mm² s^-1 on exposed plastics.
• All necessary software and work instructions.
• Optional stainless steel mounting frames for plastic etching and analysis, standard size or customer specified.
• Full training available at TASL premises or online

TASLImage™ Systems

NVLAP accredited in the USA and HSE accredited in the UK

TASLImage™ is our image analysis system designed specifically for measuring etch tracks in TASTRAK™ (PADC, CR-39) and other Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD's). The system uses sophisticated track recognition software based on a detailed understanding of the geometry of etch tracks in nuclear track detectors^[1,2]. Measurements taken on each individual recorded track allow the energy of individual nuclear particles to be determined. On groups of tracks, this allows us to obtain spectral information of the incident radiation, of particular advantage in applications such as neutron dosimetry and laser fusion studies^[3-5].

The algorithm discriminating etched tracks from background features employs up to 26 parameters relating to the size, shape and characteristics of each recorded track. As a research instrument, track selection and measurement parameters are under full control of the user. For routine analysis of radon detectors and neutron dosimeters, the software parameters are already optimised. Here the system automatically analyses a complete tray of detectors to provide a radon measurement or neutron dose for each detector plastic.

Software packages

Scientific: This is our standard package. In addition to providing a ready-optimised set of track selection criteria, the user has full control of the selection parameters, appropriate to the analysis in hand.

Radon Measurements: This package is designed for one-click automatic analysis of a full tray of radon detectors and the reporting of results in both kBq h m^-3 and Bq m^-3, which may output to an Excel or csv file. Track-recognition parameters are ready-optimised: the user will receive a warning "non-standard parameters" if these are changed. Sophisticated checks are made on the recorded alpha-particle tracks to ensure correct functioning of each plastic detector within its diffusion chamber. This includes automatic correction for plastic fading following long-term exposure in the field. Further details and full specification may be found on our Radon Measurements page.

Neutron Dosimetry: This package is designed for the one-click automatic analysis of a full tray of fast neutron dosemeter plastics, via the analysis of recoil-protons, and the reporting of results in mSv, which may output to an Excel or csv file. Proton track-recognition parameters are ready optimised: the user will see a warning "non-standard parameters" if these are changed. Sophisticated checks are made on the recorded recoil-proton tracks to ensure correct functioning of each plastic detector, with particular emphasis on calibration against standard exposure data. This includes highly efficient rejection of background alpha-particles, enabling the detector to operate in a high radon background^[6]. Dosimetry of thermal neutrons can be made using a boron radiator and alpha-particle recording via the ¹⁰B(n,α)⁷Li reaction. Further details and full specification may be found on our Neutron Dosimeter page.

Full laboratory installations – visit our Radon Measurements and Neutron Dosimetry pages.

Applications

TASLImage™ has wide application in nuclear science and technology. Examples include Radon measurements in the home, the workplace and in the ground, fast and thermal Neutron Dosimetry, Laser Plasma Fusion studies, Cosmic Ray & Space Physics, Proton Beam Therapy & Neutron Capture Therapy. The system has also been utilised in alpha-particle autoradiography and low-level counting, uranium exploration and nuclear particle discharge measurements. There are now a number of peer-reviewed publications in the literature.

References

1. Fews AP, Henshaw DL. 1982. High Resolution Alpha Particle Spectroscopy using CR 39 Plastic Track Detector. Nucl. Instr. Meth. 197:517-529.
2. Fews AP. 1992. Fully Automated Image Analysis of Etched Tracks in CR 39. Nucl. Instr. Meth B71:465-478.
3. Fews AP, Lamb MJ, Savage M. 1992. Thermonuclear Particle Imaging by Maximum Entropy. Optics Communications, 94:259-272.
4. Fews AP, Lamb MJ, Savage M, Regan C. 1993. Development of Laser Driven Implosions of DT Filled Shells as Thermonuclear Particle Sources. Optics Communications, 98:159-171.
5. Norreys PA, Fews AP, Beg FN, et. al. 1998. Neutron production from picosecond laser irradiation of deuterated targets at intensities of 10¹⁹ W cm^-2. Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 40(2):175-182.
6. Mayer S, Boschung M, Butterweck G. et. al. 2016. Stability of the Neutron Dose Determination Algorithm for Personal Neutron Dosemeters at different Radon Gas Exposures. Rad. Prot. Dosim. 170(1–4):154–157.