Fabrication and characterization of variable thickness 94,98,100Mo targets for heavy-ion fusion experiments

A series of self-supporting, enriched Molybdenum targets 94,98,100Mo featuring a wide range of areal densities from thin films of 90 µg/cm2 up to thicker foils of 600 µg/cm2 were successfully fabricated using high vacuum physical vapor deposition. Through optimized deposition parameters, the overall target preparation was achieved with high material efficiency, consuming as little as 70 mg of rare isotopic material. These targets are prepared specifically for low energy heavy-ion nuclear physics experiments, including multi nucleon transfer reaction measurements and fusion barrier distribution studies at the Inter University Accelerator Center (IUAC), New Delhi. This paper presents the novel single evaporation technique used to synthesize targets of varying thick nesses simultaneously, the thermal annealing protocols optimized for mechanical stress relief, and the quantitative characterization of chemical purity and stoichiometry performed via Rutherford Back scattering Spectrometry (RBS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX).