Fabrication of 184W target on carbon backing

Abstract

184W enriched isotopic target of 210 μg/cm 2 thickness on carbon backing of 100 μg/cm 2 thickness has been made in ultra-high vacuum environment by evaporation method using 6 kW electron beam at Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC). Hundred and thirty milligrams of enriched 184W powder was used in this target preparation process. This target has been successfully used in two nuclear reaction experiments performed at IUAC. Methods adopted to convert the tungsten powder to a special pellet form in order to minimize the consumption of the expensive material, preparation of stress relieved carbon-backing foil, steps taken to make the carbon withstand the heat generated during the tungsten evaporation, the method of tungsten fabrication and details of ultra-high vacuum evaporator facility of IUAC are discussed.