Development and Characterization of Magnesium Targets

A set of ^natMg targets were designed and characterized in preparation for a longer investigation of the ²⁶Mg (α, n) reaction as a potential neutron source for the stellar s-process. Targets were prepared on a variety of backings---including tantalum, silicon, copper, and carbon film---to increase the range of characterization techniques available. Evaporations were conducted with pure magnesium and as a reduction of magnesium oxide. Alpha spectroscopy, microscopy analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the target runs, which had been varied in evaporation speed, target thickness, and technique. Due to the variety of characterization methods available, analysis yielded information about grain size, deposition patterns, target thickness, and elemental content. Notably, targets which had been evaporated more slowly were more uniform in terms of both grain size and thickness. Targets will be subjected to further testing to determine their structural integrity under beam. This information will then be used to select the best targets for the ongoing ²⁶Mg (α, n) investigation.