Fabrication of Deuterated Polymer Targets

Our efforts are centered on the fabrication of deuterium-rich organic polymer targets. We are able to make films of deuterated polyethylene films with thicknesses varying from approximately 0.7-1.5 mils. Varying amounts of deuterated polyethylene (DPE) powder are dissolved in hot xylene and the heated solutions are poured onto soaped microscope slides. Once the slides have cooled and the xylene evaporated, the DPE films can be removed from the slides by floating them off in a dish of water. The films can then be adhered to target mounts.