Requirements for a high-power target test facility

Future advances in several research areas are being based around accelerator facilities that employ targets for generating neutrons, neutrinos or rare isotopes. The demand for higher neutron intensities and particle or isotope production is driving facilities to higher accelerator powers and more intense beams on targets. The challenges to target development are significant for accepting higher power levels while maintaining reasonable lifetimes. In the case of short-pulse liquid metal spallation targets the most significant issue is cavitation damage erosion. Although research and development is underway, long-term progress is hampered by lack of a test facility that provides prototypic beam in a flexible testing and analysis environment. The requirements of such a facility are significant, but it was recognized by some in the spallation neutron source community that many of its features would be useful for the development of targets in other research areas. This paper outlines the requirements of a desired facility that serves not only the spallation source community, but also those of other research areas. The scope of requirements includes beam parameters, test cell infrastructure, remote handling, post-irradiation examination and waste handling. Discussion and consensus between the potential users is hoped to lead to collaboration towards making the facility a reality.