Influence of density and release properties of UCx targets on the fission product yields at ALTO

TL;DR

This study investigates how the structural and release properties of UCx targets affect fission product yields at ALTO, emphasizing the importance of optimizing target density and release efficiency for different elements.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of how target composition and properties influence fission product release, offering guidance for optimizing target design at ALTO.

Findings

Target density and release efficiency significantly impact fission product yields.

Simulation results help determine optimal target configurations for different isotopes.

A balance between target density and release efficiency is essential for maximizing yields.

Abstract

To study the influence of the structural properties of UCx targets on their release properties, several types of targets using different precursors (carbon and uranium) were synthesized, characterized, irradiated and heated leading to the determination of the released fractions of eight elements. In this article, the production rates of these targets are estimated under the use conditions at ALTO, i.e. with targets bombarded by an electron beam (10 {\mu}A, 50 MeV). We have simulated the fission number produced using the FLUKA code. Then, we have determined the release efficiency as a function of the half-life of the isotopes using average diffusion coefficients deduced for the elements studied previously. Finally, we compare the production rates obtained from the various targets and conclude that the target must be adapted to the element studied. It is crucial to find in each case the best compromise between the target density and the release efficiency.