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Application of the deposition method based on the vibrational motion of micro particles in an electrostatic field [I. Sugai, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 397 (1997) 81] is described for the production of isotopic 11 B foils. The method proved suitable for target production of this typically brittle material when a very flat target surface was required. The goal to produce 11 B targets of 160–350 μg/cm 2 was achieved by depositing the boron on a thin foil substrate, such as Nb and Sn. The coated foil was stretched flat before it was mounted on a frame.

In order to trap francium atoms in a magneto-optical trap, a beam of singly charged francium ions must be neutralized and reduced to thermal energies. Vacuum requirements prevent the use of a gas-filled charge exchange cell. The simple alternative is to implant the ion beam into a hot catcher foil where the ions neutralize within the foil and then diffuse out. The fraction of ions which neutralize depends upon the work function of the foil and first ionization potential of the ion beam. In order to produce such a neutralizer several suitable materials were tested in a variety of different mechanical designs to determine the most effective and robust system.

The development of thick gold targets for the production of radioactive beams of Fr + is discussed. In order that the Fr + ions, created within the target, be released, the gold must be elevated in temperature to just below its melting point. Several different designs and production processes are compared and contrasted to determine how to create a robust target capable of producing the greatest abundance of Fr + ions.

A straightforward method of making tungsten targets from tungsten oxide powder on Cu backing is presented. A ceramic crucible containing WO3 powder placed on a copper foil is heated in hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 650 up to 850 °C. The resulting thickness of tungsten deposited in our trials was in the range of 0.5–3.4 mg/cm2.

The rare earth isotopes are mostly delivered in the form of oxides. Sometimes, after the reduction procedure, not all metal is used immediately and often excess of the rolled foil or the scraps is left over. The remains may be used in future in case they are properly preserved. In order to avoid oxidation, a method of storage in quartz tube under vacuum is described. One can apply the similar solution for transportation of sensitive targets. This paper describes the procedure and the equipment for sealing, storage or transportation of rare-earth metal foils in vacuum or inert-gas atmosphere. The described solution is appropriate for isotopes, which can be exposed to air for a short time without significant oxidation damage. The procedure can also be applied for storage in low-pressure inert-gas atmosphere like argon (below atmospheric pressure).

Au and isotopically enriched Pt targets are discussed for the production of radioactive Fr beams. Target foils, serving also as ionizers, have to be heated in order to enhance the diffusion of atoms to the surface for further extraction and injection into the electrostatic transport system.

Discussion and tests of several designs of sources for continuous vacuum deposition of Au.

A simple method utilizing small amounts (< 5 mg) of isotopically enriched material for the production of gadolinium targets is discussed. An electrostatically focused e-gun is used in the procedure in which 152Gd2O3 powder undergoes reduction-distillation and deposition onto an Fe foil.

A simple method utilizing a small amount of isotopic material for production of molybdenum foils is discussed. An e-gun is used in the procedure. The Mo powder undergoes reduction-sintering and melting-solidifying steps leading to the creation of a metallic droplet suitable for further cold rolling or vacuum deposition.