Production of thin targets by implantation for the measurement of the 16O + 16O elastic scattering below the Coulomb barrier

Abstract In recent decades, the processes of fusion of 16 O were studied both theoretically and experimentally. However, the theoretical calculations are unable to fit both elastic scattering cross sections and fusion S-factors. The use of 16 O thin transmission targets is required to measure the elastic forward scattering 16 O +  16 O reaction. The areal density of the target must be high to maximize the reaction products yields, but not so high as to allow a correct calculation of the effective beam energy. Besides this, the target must withstand beam interactions without noticeable deterioration, and contaminants must be minimal. In this study, the production of thin targets is performed with an innovative technique. Beam characterization and preliminary spectrum for the elastic scattering are also presented, showing the suitability of these targets for the proposed reaction.