High-Z Ultrathin Foil Fabrication for Intense Laser Experiments. (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le Tacon, S.; Cermelli, N.; Bourdenet, R.; Geoffray, I.; Chicanne, C.; Theobald, M.
• Is Part Of: Fusion science and technology. Volume 73:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 400
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Metallic foils -- rare-earth elements -- physical vapor deposition; Fusion reactors -- Periodicals; Nuclear fusion -- Periodicals; Fusion reactors; Nuclear fusion; Periodicals; 621.48405
• DOI: 10.1080/15361055.2017.1387010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1536-1055

Abstract

Abstract: High-Z metallic foils including rare-earth (RE) elements are required for some experiments implemented on the Laser Megajoule. A specific process based on physical vapor deposition and laser machining was developed to produce high-Z material foils meeting strict specifications. This process allows pure metallic ultrathin foil fabrication from a few hundred nanometers to several microns of thickness of any high-Z materials. In the case of RE metals sensitive to oxidation, thin foils are buried under aluminum protective layers of about a few hundred nanometers. These metallic thin foils are flat, show thickness uniformity over 95%/cm 2, and have roughness of about 10 nm. The foils are opaque to light, have a density similar to bulk material, present an oxygen content of about 1 at. %, and are stable over months under atmospheric conditions.