Nuclear Physics Particle and Radiation Detection Systems, Nuclear Targets and High Radiation Environment Beam Transport Components

Longer-lived stripper foils operating in present-day DOE accelerator facilities, with elements up to mass 100, would provide substantial operating savings and reduced radiation exposure to maintenance personnel. However, the next generation of rare isotope facilities would need even more robust stripper foils to survive exposure to higher-power density beams of even heavier elements, up to uranium. Thin CVD diamond foils present a potential improvement over the amorphous carbon foils currently in use, because of their superior thermal properties, stronger carbon bonding, and increased strength. This project will: (1) identify which CVD diamond characteristics contribute to long life, (2) develop foils with neutral stress profiles, and (3) fabricate stripper foils using this knowledge. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: While the DOE accelerator facilities are the primary beneficiaries of this technology, commercial accelerators used in radioisotope production also would benefit from the savings due to longer-lived foils. High quality, neutral stress diamond membranes also should find application in x-ray lithography, x-ray windows, high energy beam targets and detectors.