Blister resistant targets for nuclear reaction experiments with α-particle beams

Abstract Solid targets for nuclear measurements that use α -particle beams commonly experience a form of degradation known as blistering. The effect can prevent the use of solid targets for high intensity α -particle experiments, often necessitating complex gas target systems. To combat this problem, three different blister resistant target backings were designed for use in direct reaction measurements with high intensity α -particle beams. The blister resistant target designs utilize gas diffusive properties of fused silica, sintered metal, and porous evaporated metal. Each target was implanted with 22 Ne ions and bombarded with α -particle beam to test blister resistance. Targets were characterized and monitored using the 22 Ne( p , γ ) 23 Na reaction to determine the degradation of implanted material, and compare them to typical implanted noble gas targets. We find that all targets studied exhibit resistance to blistering, with the porous evaporated metal targets displaying the least amount of target material degradation.