Improving St. George Through Pressure Regulation of the HIPPO Gas Jet Target*

The St. George recoil separator at the University of Notre Dame’s Nuclear Science laboratory is employed with the study of reactions of astrophysical interest, specifically radiative capture reactions. St. George’s High Pressure Point like gas jet target (HIPPO) is used to provide a constant diameter point-like target to the system. The thickness of the target observed by the beam depends on the injection pressure applied to the nozzle of HIPPO. Improvement to the pressure regulation of HIPPO has been studied and conclusions regarding the possible significant improvement of thickness stability of the gas target have been reached. Furthermore, recommendations regarding the permanent implementation of a more robust mass flow system and the possible benefits of implementing such a system are discussed.