High intensity Ti-50 beam production for superheavy element research

Elements 115-118 were discovered by bombarding transuranic targets with high-current Ca-48 beams, but a lack of heavier targets prevents extending the periodic table using calcium. The recent production of two atoms of element 116 by LBNL researchers using Ti-50 opens a new pathway for the discovery of elements beyond 118. The 88” Cyclotron’s acceleration and delivery of the pµA Ti-50 beams used to create these particles will be discussed. In particular, we will present the novel inductive oven used to provide a stable stream of titanium vapor to LBNL’s superconducting ECR ion source VENUS, extract >100 µA Ti12+, and minimize consumption of this expensive, low-abundance isotope.