A series of experiments was performed to investigate the
feasibility of a liquid lithium thin film for a charge stripper in a
high-power heavy ion linac. Various preliminary experiments using simulants
were first conducted to determine the film formation scheme, to investigate
the film stability, and to obtain the design parameters for a liquid lithium
thin film system. Based on the results from these preliminary studies, a
prototypical, high pressure liquid lithium system was constructed to
demonstrate liquid lithium thin film formation. This system was capable of
driving liquid lithium at ≲300 °C and up to 13.9 MPa (2000
psig) through a nozzle opening as large as 1 mm (40 mil) in diameter. This
drive pressure corresponds to a Li velocity of >200 m/s. A thin lithium
film of 9 mm in width at velocity of ∼58 m/s was produced. Its
thickness was estimated to be roughly ≲13 μm. High vacuum
was maintained in the area of the film. This type of liquid metal thin film
may also be used in other high power beam applications such as for intense
X-ray or neutron sources.