Conception of a target diffusible Pt. 1

To suppress the decrease of the neutron output, which is the mean defect of the titanium-hydride target (D or T) used for the production of neutrons in small accelerators by the D(d,n)3He and T(d,n)4He reactions, the conception of a selfreplenishing target is studied. The analysis of the expected mechanism and working with such a target lead to test a system composed of silvenr-palladium alloy (30%-70%) as diffusing membrane coated with evaporated titanium film as stopping and hydride storage target (522 μg/cm2). Parameters as gas pressure, hydride phases, temperature, permeability, solubility, mechanical strength are discussed, and a target is tested on a diffusion experimental plan. The regeneration of stable deuteride γ phase in titanium is proved. The results are consistent enough to attempt a trial with this target in an accelerator. (author)