Dynamic response to short-pulsed U-ion beams of material candidates for vacuum beam windows manufacturing

The introduction of next-generation extremely energetic particle accelerator facilities, such as the High-Luminosity upgrade of the LHC (HL-LHC) or the proposed future circular collider (FCC), will dramatically increase the energy stored in the circulating particle beams. This will critically affect the thermo-physical and mechanical properties of the materials adopted, possibly compromising their reliability during the operating lifetime. In this scenario, it is paramount to assess the dynamic thermo-mechanical response of materials presently used, or being developed for future use, in beam intercepting devices exposed to potentially destructive events caused by the impact of energetic particle beams. The present work illustrates the results of an extensive experimental campaign aimed at investigating the thermo-mechanical performances of various materials selected for vacuum beam window manufacturing. The experimental tests described in this study were carried out to explore different phenomena concerning the impact of ion beams on material targets, such as heat deposition and propagation, dynamic response of the samples, and change of mechanical properties as the dose accumulates. The obtained results, evaluated against preliminary numerical investigations and post-irradiation examinations, confirmed the choice of the selected materials as potential candidates for the manufacturing of vacuum beam windows.