SIDONIE: an electromagnetic isotope separator for preparation of high purity thin targets

The new configuration of the electromagnetic isotope separator SIDONIE is presented. The different elements composing this separator are described. The ion beam, produced by a "Bernas-Nier" source, is separated by a high dispersion analyzing magnet. Thin targets of highly enriched isotopes are achieved by deceleration of the selected ion beam. The thickness of the targets can reach a few mg/cm(2). The homogeneity and thickness of the target are measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The isotopic enrichment factor obtained with SIDONIE is evaluated by measurement of alpha emission of a U-235 thin target. Finally, an alpha spectrum of metrology measurement of U-238 is presented. A thin layer of pure U-238 produced by SIDONIE has been measured with a high-resolution alpha spectrometer equipped with an optimized silicon junction detector. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.