Tests of a Cryogenic Gas Cell for Radioactive Ion Beam Experiments*

The properties of resonances that dominate thermonuclear reaction rates on proton-rich, unstable nuclei can be probed using transfer reactions like ($^{3}$He,p). In inverse kinematics, this is achieved with a radioactive ion beam and a $^{3}$He gas target. A cryogenic gas cell target for such experiments has been constructed at the Colorado School of Mines and tested at Oak Ridge National Laboratory with a stable $^{17}$O beam. The gas cell design has been modified several times, and a number of techniques are being explored to reduce the significant yield from background reactions with the window material. Alternatively, a gas jet target with recycling capability could be a better solution to the long-term problem of using rare gases as targets. Results from our beam tests and future plans will be presented.