Tungsten targets for accelerator based nuclear activation experiments prepared by PLD technique

Abstract

We report an approach to prepare tungsten (W) targets for accelerator based nuclear activation experiments with α particles. W thin films with thicknesses of 2.28 ± 0.2 mg/cm2 were deposited on 5.4± 0.2 mg/cm2 aluminium (Al) foils by using PLD (Pulsed Laser Deposition) method. The obtained targets were evaluated in terms of thickness, morphology and composition by using RBS (Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) techniques. According to the results of the nuclear activation experiment, the PLD technique is suitable for the preparation of high-quality, high durability tungsten targets.

Keywords: W targets, PLD, RBS, AFM, SEM/EDS, XRD