A technique for the preparation of thin self-supporting metallic gallium targets

Abstract Self-supporting gallium targets ( nat Ga, 69 Ga, 71 Ga) with areal densities varying between 2 and 4 mg/cm 2 have been produced for a medium-energy ( 3 He, t ) nuclear scattering experiment. A new method for target preparation, involving melting, squeezing and shock-freezing the material has been employed. The special and peculiar properties of the gallium metal material are described, which necessitate special procedures for thin foil and thin target production.