Using mass spectrometry to characterize permeation half-life of ICF targets

A mass spectrometer-based system was developed to measure the collected gas permeating through the shell wall of a spherical ICF target. The resultant ion current was used to calculate the material's permeation half-life. This novel technique is simple, non-destructive, and suitable for measuring targets with short or long half-lives, i.e., very permeable or impermeable target materials, typically in less than 30 min. The technique is suitable for measuring permeation at ambient and elevated temperatures. The results acquired with the mass spectrometer measurements agreed well with those from destructive techniques.