Nuclear Tracks in Solids: Principles and Applications offers a comprehensive exploration of the revolutionary science of particle track etching. From its origins with Silk and Barnes' groundbreaking electron micrographs in 1959 to its diverse applications in fields like geochronology, nuclear physics, and even botany, this book traces the evolution of a field that has reshaped our understanding of particle interactions in solids. It delves into the fascinating process of identifying and analyzing nuclear particle tracks, unveiling their potential to decode the history of the cosmos, assess radiation exposure, and innovate in various scientific domains.

This meticulously detailed work caters to a broad audience, including researchers, scientists in related disciplines, and advanced students. Part I covers the foundational principles and methods of track etching, while Parts II and III dive into specialized applications across earth sciences, space exploration, and nuclear technology. With its blend of historical narrative, scientific rigor, and practical insights, Nuclear Tracks in Solids serves as both a valuable resource and a testament to the serendipitous discoveries and interdisciplinary collaborations that drive scientific progress.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.