A new approach to crystallographic orientation measurement for apatite fission track analysis: Effects of crystal morphology and implications for automation

Abstract

Apatite fission track analysis and in particular, computer-assisted fission track recognition require the determination of crystallographic orientation, crystal morphology, cracks, fractures and inclusions. The selection of a crystal for fission track analysis has largely been based on its surface and track etching characteristics that, in conventional fission track dating, is performed by the analyst. This requires manual scanning of the entire mount for suitable grains, which is a very time-intensive process during manual fission track counting. Therefore, a computer-assisted grain characterisation system is of interest to allow for an automated pre-selection of suitable crystals. With the..