Recent developments of target and ion sources to produce ISOL beams

In this review on target and ion sources for ISOL (Isotope Separation OnLine) beams, important developments from the past five years are highlighted. While at precedent EMIS conferences, a particular focus was given to a single topics, for instance specifically on ion sources or on chemical purification techniques, here each of the important elements present in an ISOL production unit is discussed. Fast diffusing nanomaterials, uranium-based targets, high power targets for next generation facilities, purification by selective adsorption, new ion sources are all part of this review. For each of these selected topics, the reported results lead to significant gains in intensity, purity, or quality of the delivered beam, or in the production of new isotope beams. Often the outcome resulted from the combination of original ideas with state-of-the-art investigations; this was carried out using very different scientific disciplines, leading to understanding of the underlying chemical or physical mechanisms at the origin of the improvements.