Development of radioactive ion beams of light elements at ARENAS3

The development of new radioactive ion beams at the ARENAS³ facility at Louvain-la-Neuve requires new and specific targets. Crucial target properties that need to be investigated are the yield of the nuclear reaction, the target stoichiometry, the target life time and the release efficiency. To perform these general target studies, we developed a universal setup capable of holding solid, powder or liquid targets. With this setup we have examined targets of BN and B₂O₃ powders for the production of .11C. Stability under heating and irradiation, pre-treatment tests as well as release studies were performed. For applications on the LISOL isotope separator we also developed a high-temperature graphite target. With the different primary beams available at CYCLONE this target was used for the production of ,13N, 14O and 15O isotopes. Production yields and release efficiencies for this target in the range 1300-2000°C were measured. Also long-term stability and good temperature control were achieved. Further target development work at Louvain-la-Neuve includes the production of 15O in LiF targets.