Ink-Jet printing of actinide thin-film targets

Nuclear science can continue to benefit from techniques developed in material science, specifically in methods for the preparation of actinide thin-film targets. Previous work has successfully combined solution combustion synthesis (SCS) with electrospraying or spin coating to produce pure UO₂ or ThO₂ thin-film targets on various backings. My presentation will cover how these methods have been further utilized to produce uniformly mixed metal oxide targets of uranium and thorium for target-making and irradiation studies. In addition, I will cover preliminary work on the next stage of target development, ink-jet printing of thin films. Ink-jet printing will allow for the creation of targets with a well-defined morphology on any backings with near 100% utilization of starting materials. Continued advances in these methods will benefit the nuclear community allowing for unapparelled control in the target preparation of actinide materials.