Use of isotopically enriched gas in active-target time-projection chambers

A number of challenges are present for the use of isotopically pure gases in active-target time-projection chambers. One is the challenge of having a high purity with a limited amount of detector gas. We are developing the use of a gas recirculation system that will purify gases to a sufficient level that will allow for isotopically enriched Ne gas to be used in the active-target gas detector ND-Cube at the University of Notre Dame. The use of isotopic Ne gas will allow for the study of reactions on Ne-20 at low energies and will extend our ability to study reactions that are important for pycnonuclear reactions that are thought to contribute to heating beneath the surface of neutron star crusts. Current progress and prospects for future experiments will be presented.