Release of Al from SiC targets used for radioactive ion beam production

On-line targets of silicon carbide have been used to produce radioactive ion beams (RIB) at TRIUMF’s ISAC facility. Surface ionized beams of Li, Na and Al from SiC targets have been delivered to a variety of experiments. While yields of Li and Na radionuclide beams have been high enough to meet experimental requirements, the yields of radio-aluminums have been very low in comparison to in-target production estimates. The properties of SiC relevant to radioactive Al ion beam production are reviewed and on-line measurements of radiogenic Li, Na and Al from SiC are presented. Diffusion, effusion and formation of stable phases are found to strongly affect the release of radio-aluminum from SiC, greatly reducing overall Al RIB production efficiency. In comparison, the production of radio-sodium beams from SiC is found to be relatively efficient.