Preparation of isotopic ruthenium targets using an ion beam sputtering source

The preparation of ruthenium targets to be used in heavy-ion experiments has always presented challenges due to the physical properties of ruthenium and the cost of the separated isotopes. The straightforward approach of ion beam sputtering provides an efficient deposition technique, which allows for conservation of the isotopic starting material. A description of the target preparation will be presented along with results for several ruthenium isotopes.