Tests of high-density UC targets developed at Gatchina for neutron-rich radioactive-beam facilities

Production of on-line mass-separated neutron-rich isotopes using fission induced by 1 GeV protons on high-density uranium targets (typically 11 g/cm3) has been investigated for several years at the IRIS facility. Here we review some of the achievements during the years up to 2006 and the perspectives. In particular, we present a comparison of yields in p and n-induced fission, enhancements by secondary neutrons, a comparison with lower-density targets used at PARRNe and ISOLDE for Rb and Cs isotopes and preliminary results obtained with a new UC target material.