Developing ^17,18O target capabilities for high-resolution (α,n) cross section measurements

In nuclear safeguarding, accurate identification of special nuclear material is of paramount importance. To this end, this project will perform high-resolution ^17,18O(α,n) cross section measurements. This information will improve the process of Non-Destructive Analysis (NDA) for nonproliferation verification and monitoring duties. These cross section measurements rely on the creation of pure, well-characterized isotopically-enriched tantalum oxide targets. We prepared the tantalum backings by chemically etching them with ascorbic acid, which will clean unwanted impurities from the surface. The effectiveness of the etching was analyzed using Raman Spectroscopy. To prepare the target we will anodize a uniform oxide layer onto the tantalum surface using a specially designed electrodeposition cell. To examine the surface after the anodization process, we will use Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy, also known as RBS. Once the oxide layer thickness has been confirmed via RBS, this target will be used in a measurement of the ¹⁸O(α,n) reaction at LLNL that will use a combination of scintillator neutron detectors and high-purity germanium gamma ray detectors. In this poster, I will present results from the Raman spectroscopy and the RBS, as well as the design for the electrodeposition cell.