Target Performance at the Low Energy Neutron Source

The Indiana University Low Energy Neutron Source (LENS) production target was recently upgraded to handle the high power 13 MeV proton pulsed beam. The target, a 2 inch diameter beryllium disk, is 1.2 millimeters thick allowing the 13 MeV protons to pass completely through the target and stop in the cooling water eliminating the buildup of protons inside the beryllium. This change along with upgrading the cooling water system has produced the most reliable target to date for LENS operations. Details about the failure modes will be presented.