Laser-induced changes in the optical properties of the Bayfol UV1 7-2 nuclear track detector.

The Bayfol UV1 7-2 is a set of polymeric solid-state nuclear track detectors with several applications in radiation detection fields. Samples from Bayfol film have been exposed to infrared pulsated laser with different fluences (10–115 J/cm2). The outcome of laser irradiation on the structural and optical properties of the Bayfol samples has been studied using X-ray diffraction and UV spectroscopy. Various optical parameters, such as the optical energy gap, Urbach energy, refractive index, optical dielectric constant, tristimulus values, chromaticity coordinates, color intercepts and color intensity, have been calculated and discussed as a function of laser fluences. The optical energy gap decreased by increasing the laser fluence up to 115 J/cm2 and an increase in the Urbach energy. This could be due to the domination of crosslinking that destroys the ordered structure. Furthermore, the non-irradiated Bayfol is nearly colorless. It displays a significant color difference by laser irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]