Electrodeposition method development for Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) Source

Abstract

Electrodeposition is one of the most widely utilized techniques for thin-film production with high yields. Although it is used extensively, this technique still presents several issues limiting its usefulness, including excess thickness and frequent cracking of deposited films. Efforts to improve thin-film production recently undertaken at Oak Ridge Laboratory by the authors have included studying operating conditions and applied electrolytes. Samarium was used as a surrogate material for californium, and yield was compared with different deposition condition. The final procedure from the optimized condition will be applied during production of the californium-252 source for the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) project, and the fission fragment will be analyzed.