THE USE OF URANIUM DOPED GLASSES IN FISSION-TRACK DATING

A historic review is given of the use of U doped glasses (NIST SRM, Coming U and CN glasses) in fission-track age calibration based on the absolute determination of the neutron fluence and on the zeta-procedure. Through a summary of fluence calibration experiments carried out in our laboratory since 1988, further evidence is given of the consistency of absolute fluence determinations with Au and Co monitors on the one side and on the fact that hese monitors provide reliable measurements of the induced U-235 fission rate on the other. Finally, the concentrations of U,Th and neutron absorbing elements determined in SRM 612, 614 and CN 1, 2, 5 and 6 are discussed in terms of the suitability of these glasses for fission-track age calibration using the absolute approach..