The SPES direct UCx target

A possible solution for a target system aimed at the production of exotic nuclei as a result of high energy fissions in ²³⁸U compounds has been analyzed. The proposed configuration is constituted by a primary proton beam (40 MeV, 0.2 mA) directly impinging on uranium carbide disks inserted within a cylindrical carbon box. This system has been conceived to obtain both a high number of neutron rich atoms (originated from about 10¹³ fissions/s) and a low power deposition in the target. In order to extract the fission fragments, the box has to be hold at 2000^○C. The thermal analysis shows the capability of the thermal radiation to cool the disks with a reasonable margin below the material melting point. Moreover, the analyses of the thermo-mechanical behaviour and of the effusion times confirm the promising features of this target configuration.