Preparation and Characterization of Heavy Ion Targets

Many of the same target preparation techniques used to fabricate samples to be bombarded with light ions (protons, deuterons, 4He++, etc.) in various nuclear research studies can be and are used in fabricating targets for heavy ion interaction research. However, the experimental data obtained in heavy ion studies are far more sensitive to variations in target parameters than those resulting from light ion interactions. Careful consideration of anticipated results of the research must be given in selecting preparative techniques that can yield the desired target characteristics. Proper interpretation of experimental results demands that the target used is extensively characterized. Effects of specific target parameters, e.g., thickness, nuclidic uniformity, impurity concentration and identification, are reviewed in this paper. Preparative and characterization techniques are critically examined in terms of their effects on experimental results and on target lifetime.