Preparation of thin arsenic and radioarsenic targets for neutron capture studies

A simple method for the electrodeposition of elemental arsenic (As) on a metal backing from aqueous solutions has been developed. The method was successfully applied to stable As (⁷⁵As). Thin (2.5 mg cm⁻²) coherent, smooth layers of the metalloid on Ti foils (2.5 μm thickness) were obtained. Electrodeposits served as targets for ⁷⁵As(n,γ) ⁷⁶As neutron capture experiments at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Respective ⁷³As(n,γ) ⁷⁴As experiments are planned for the near future, and ⁷³As targets will be prepared in a similar fashion utilizing the new electrodeposition method. The preparation of an ⁷³As (half-life 80.3 days) plating bath solution from proton irradiated germanium has been demonstrated. Germanium target irradiation was performed at the Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility (IPF).