9512599 Weete The ion accelerator laboratory at the Nuclear Science Center at Auburn University will be upgraded through acquisition of a tandem accelerator equipped with a radio frequency (rf) exchange ion source, a high voltage source injector system, and a high energy quadrupole focusing lens. The new machine replaces a twenty-six year old accelerator which is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The accelerator laboratory functions primarily in support of various materials research programs in different colleges and departments. These efforts focus primarily on thin film systems and interactions, such as silicon carbide and III-V compound semiconductor epitaxial film characterization, ion- induced radiation damage in insulators, materials oxidation processes, and electronics packaging and diamond film technology. Analysis techniques available in the accelerator laboratory for materials studies include proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), light ion channeling (LIC), fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA), and some ion implantation capabilities. Most of these techniques will be available in the upgraded facility, and the new machine will facilitate development of expanded analysis capabilities such as neutron activation/time-of-flight techniques. %%% The new tandem accelerator will allow the laboratory to provide efficient research support for materials science programs through improved access to modern analytical techniques. It replaces an ancient unit which currently consumes large material and human resources for its maintenance. The accelerator laboratory has a long history of collaborative research with nearby minority institutions, and the program has a long-term commitment in support of educational opportunities for minority students in the physical sciences which the new accelerator will enhance. ***
