UO₂ target preparation with spin coating assisted solution combustion synthesis

A simple and efficient target preparation method is developed combining spin coating and solution combustion synthesis. Multiple smooth and uniform UO2 targets have been prepared using this method on a variety of backings (aluminium, carbon, silicon) used in nuclear physics experiments. The thicknesses of the targets can be precisely tuned by changing the number of coatings within the range of similar to 50-1000 mu m/cm(2). These targets are highly uniform (<5% deviation), robust, and remain strongly adherent to their backings even after being irradiated by high doses (10(17) ions/cm(2)) of 1.7 MeV Ar2+ ions.