Friday, January 31, 2014, 11:28

Target container is coated with TaC.

The container is wrapped with 3 x Ta heat-shield.

Chamber was pumped down to 1.9e-7 Torr.

HS water valves were opened, no leak detected.

TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 35A. Waited ~20min, current stabilized and vacuum starting to drop.

TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min, max voltage = 11.05V.

TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 0.2A/min, max volatge = 5V.

Initiating auto-ramping: Good Vac = 3.0e-5 Torr, Bad Vac = 4.0e-5 Torr.

 Monday, February 03, 2014, 10:21

TGHT reached 580A pver the weekend.

TBHT sitting at 1.4A, checked archive: never went over 1.6A. Aborted auto-ramp, re-starting auto ramp process for TBHT.

IGP1 = 1.6e-7 Torr.

 Monday, February 03, 2014, 15:23

TBHT running smoothly, must have been and electrical problem.

TBHT currently at 85A, vacuum has not changed, increasing TBHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Tuesday, February 04, 2014, 10:10

TBHT reached 230A yesterday pm. Measured temp this morning at 1800C.

Initiated TGHT/TBHT auto-cooling at 2.0A/min.

 Wednesday, February 05, 2014, 11:33

Chamber cooled down overnight, vented and opened up this morning.

Smooth run! Container fully sintered.

Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 15:59

Target consists of 400 Ta discs. 

Total packed length 4.5cm

Total mass 47.490g.

Re foil inserted.

Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 16:07

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

No Ta heat-shield wrapped (Want to check the temperature without it) 

One end-cap inserted on left (wrt ionizer into the page).

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A/230A at 2A/min.

 Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 18:07

Vacuum at 2.3e-6 Torr.  HS water valve opened.  No leaks.

Initiated auto-ramping.

 Thursday, August 07, 2014, 11:39

Target has been heated for 11hrs at TGHT/TBHT = 820A/230A.

Temperature measured with pyrometer:

Target leg = 1600C + (250 correction for e=0.25) = 1850C

Inside target material = dark, temp can't be measured.

Cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min TBHT.

John Wong wrote:

Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 15:59 Target consists of 400 Ta discs.  Total packed length 4.5cm Total mass 47.490g. Re foil inserted. Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 16:07 Chamber is currently being pumped down. No Ta heat-shield wrapped (Want to check the temperature without it)  One end-cap inserted on left (wrt ionizer into the page). TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A/230A at 2A/min.  Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 18:07 Vacuum at 2.3e-6 Torr.  HS water valve opened.  No leaks. Initiated auto-ramping.  Thursday, August 07, 2014, 11:39 Target has been heated for 11hrs at TGHT/TBHT = 820A/230A. Temperature measured with pyrometer: Target leg = 1600C + (250 correction for e=0.25) = 1850C Inside target material = dark, temp can't be measured. Cooling down at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min TBHT.

 Friday, August 08, 2014, 15:14

Vented in air and opened up up this morning.

Endcaps inserted and expanded.

Rh foil and salts added.

 Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 13:43

Target container is coated with TaC and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 300A, respectively.

Ramping rate set to 0.2A/min.

Good vac = 3e-5 Torr, Bad vac = 4e-5 Torr.

Chamber currently being pumped down...

 Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 16:33

Chamber pumped down to 2e-6 Torr.

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected.

Will step up in the a.m.

 Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 11:41

IGP1 = 1.5e-7 Torr

TGHT max voltage = 17.05V, TBHT max voltage = 5V

Stepped TGHT and TBHT up to 35A

Waited 1hr15 before vacuum stabilized/ started to drop.

Initiating auto-ramping.

 Thursday, February 13, 2014, 10:19

TBHT and TGHT have both reached 300A

IGP1 = 2.4e-7 Torr.

Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Friday, February 14, 2014, 08:58

TGHT reached 820A yesterday afternoon. Measured internal temp this morning at 1300C.

Initiated TGHT auto-cooling at 2.0A/min and TBHT at 1.0A/min.

IGP1 = 3.2e-7 Torr.

 Monday, February 17, 2014, 12:02

Cooled down friday. Vented this morning.

Container fully sintered, smooth run!

 Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09

Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.  

Target length = 11.7cm.  

Total green mass = 40.945g 

Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber. 

For the sintering process: 

TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min. 

Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15

TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.  

Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.  

Initiate auto-ramping... 

John Wong wrote:

Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09 Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.   Target length = 11.7cm.   Total green mass = 40.945g  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber.  For the sintering process:  TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min.  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15 TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.   Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.   Initiate auto-ramping...

 Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 11:05

TBHT reached max desired current of 300A

IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr

TGHT = 543A

Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

Laura Lambert wrote:

John Wong wrote:  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:09 Target container is loaded with 360 Discs of TiC.   Target length = 11.7cm.   Total green mass = 40.945g  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields, and have been pumped down in the chamber.  For the sintering process:  TGHT ramp up to 820A, and TGHT to 300A at 0.1A/min.  Friday, March 21, 2014, 16:15 TGHT/TBHT were manually stepped up to 40A.   Vac stabilizes at 1.7e-6 Torr.   Initiate auto-ramping...     Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 11:05 TBHT reached max desired current of 300A IGP1 = 1.4e-6 Torr TGHT = 543A Increasing TGHT auto-ramp to 2.0A/min

 Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 18:18

TGHT has reached to 820A\13.4V and target has been heated at that current for 4.5 hours.

Vac is coming down to 1.1e-6 Torr.

See link for RGA results: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/08dcxskux21aqap/1SF_dTJB4l

Cooling down in process at 2A/min for TGHT and 1A/min for TBHT.

 Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11:14

Target is cooled down.  TGHT/TBHT have reached to 0A. 

All pumps off; chamber will be vented soon. 

 Friday, March 28, 2014, 15:00

Target has been assembled.  Heat shield WO#39956-10

 Thursday, April 09, 2015, 09:33

Target container is coated with TaC and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields, not incl center block.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 230A, respectively.

Chamber pumped down overnight.

IGP1 = 5.2e-7 Torr.

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT max voltage = 18V, TBHT max voltage = 5V

Stepping TGHT and TBHT up to 35A...

 Thursday, April 09, 2015, 10:07

Waited ~20min, vacuum stable.

IGP1 = 5.3e-7 Torr.

Good vac = 3e-5 Torr. Bad vac = 4e-5 Torr.

Auto-ramp initiated at 0.2A/min.

 Monday, April 13, 2015, 09:06

Reached max setpoints sunday morning [see attached photo for striptool].

Internal temperature measured with OMEGA  = 1965C

IGP1 = 4.4e-7 Torr,

Initiating auto cool for TGHT and TBHT at 2.0A/min and 1.0A/min respectively.

 Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 14:12

Vented in air and opened up this morning.

Fully sintered.

 Friday, April 17, 2015, 16:01

Total number of foils: 520 discs

Total mass of materials [incl graphite foils]: 60.2441g

Total length packed: 17.0cm

Container is wrapped with 3x Ta-heat shields.

No endcaps inserted to allow outgasing.

Currently being pumped down.

 Monday, April 20, 2015, 11:08

Target container is coated with TaC and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields, not incl center block.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 230A, respectively.

Chamber pumped down over the weekend.

IGP1 = 2.1e-7 Torr.

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected.

TGHT max voltage = 18V, TBHT max voltage = 5V

....

attempted to start stepping up manually.

power supply not responding to epics controls for TBHT only...looking into problems now...

 Monday, April 20, 2015, 16:06

Epics is working.

Power supply connections unplugged/plugged back in.

Everything working again.

Tapped up manually to 40A.

Waited ~1hr30 for vacuum to stabilize.

IGP1 = 1.8e-6 Torr.

Good vac = 3e-5 Torr. Bad vac = 4e-5 Torr.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 230A, respectively.

Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 15:23

TGHT = 200A, 2.26V; TBHT = 117A, 1.58V

IGP1 = 9.8e-6 Torr.

Increasing auto-ramp to 0.4A/min and 0.2A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Friday, April 17, 2015, 16:01 Total number of foils: 520 discs Total mass of materials [incl graphite foils]: 60.2441g Total length packed: 17.0cm Container is wrapped with 3x Ta-heat shields. No endcaps inserted to allow outgasing. Currently being pumped down.  Monday, April 20, 2015, 11:08 Target container is coated with TaC and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields, not incl center block. TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 230A, respectively. Chamber pumped down over the weekend. IGP1 = 2.1e-7 Torr. HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks detected. TGHT max voltage = 18V, TBHT max voltage = 5V .... attempted to start stepping up manually. power supply not responding to epics controls for TBHT only...looking into problems now...  Monday, April 20, 2015, 16:06 Epics is working. Power supply connections unplugged/plugged back in. Everything working again. Tapped up manually to 40A. Waited ~1hr30 for vacuum to stabilize. IGP1 = 1.8e-6 Torr. Good vac = 3e-5 Torr. Bad vac = 4e-5 Torr. TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 230A, respectively. Initiating auto-ramp at 0.2A/min and 0.1A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.  Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 15:23 TGHT = 200A, 2.26V; TBHT = 117A, 1.58V IGP1 = 9.8e-6 Torr. Increasing auto-ramp to 0.4A/min and 0.2A/min for the TGHT and TBHT respectively.

 Thursday, April 23, 2015, 10:15

Vac at 2.e-6 Torr.  Increased TGHT ramping rate to 1.0A/min.  Current temperature at 1443C, TGHT at 641A, TBHT at 230A.

 Thursday, April 23, 2015, 15:02

Evap#2 window for the temp reader is now coated, so temp reading is not available.  (see attachment). 

TGHT has been at 820A/13.45V for almost 2 hours, will continue to heat at this current for a few more hours.  Will initiate the cooling process from home…  

 Thursday, April 23, 2015, 22:31

Target has been heated at 820A for about 9.5hrs.  Current vacuum at 4.7e-7 Torr.

Initiating cooling process at -2A/min for TGHT and -1A/min for TBHT.

Friday, April 24, 2015, 10:13  

Target has been cooled at 0A for about 5 hours.  Chamber is currently being vented and the target will be taken out for inspection.

Friday, April 24, 2015, 12:37  

The target was inspected.  

Some yellow crystals were form around the ends but they were easily removed this time.  

With both ends open during the sintering process and shorten the target length with 1cm space of both side, the target is looking a lot better.  

 No visible damage on the target surface.  

Inside, the channel has a clear pathway, and the discs are nicely aligned.  

End caps and Rh foils are inserted - It's ready for assembly.

See link for pics after the sintering process.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w5k4l3fezfat2cm/AAAyX67zyUPUVvN_WzEHFXM2a?dl=0

Monday, June 22, 2015, 13:00

Containers is coated with TaC. Wrapped with 3 layers of Ta heat-shield.  Air blown to for quick dry.

Installed, and pumped down, vac currently at 6.7e-6 Torr. 

HS water valve open, no leaks detected. 

Stepping up TGHT/TBTH:  50A.

 Monday, June 22, 2015, 14:22

Pressure is coming down, currently at 1.75e-5 Torr.

auto-ramping initiated: TGHT = 820A; TBHT = 230A, rate at 2A/min.

 Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 00:50

Target container has reached to 1860C and has been heated for almost 4 hours, with TGHT at 800A/12.60V, DV = 6.28. TBHT at 230A/3.8V.  

Vac at 3e-6 Torr.  

Cooling down at 2A/min.  

Chamber can be vented tomorrow and SiC can be loaded in for the sintering process. 

John Wong wrote:

Monday, June 22, 2015, 13:00 Containers is coated with TaC. Wrapped with 3 layers of Ta heat-shield.  Air blown to for quick dry. Installed, and pumped down, vac currently at 6.7e-6 Torr.  HS water valve open, no leaks detected.  Stepping up TGHT/TBTH:  50A.  Monday, June 22, 2015, 14:22 Pressure is coming down, currently at 1.75e-5 Torr. auto-ramping initiated: TGHT = 820A; TBHT = 230A, rate at 2A/min.  Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 00:50 Target container has reached to 1860C and has been heated for almost 4 hours, with TGHT at 800A/12.60V, DV = 6.28. TBHT at 230A/3.8V.   Vac at 3e-6 Torr.   Cooling down at 2A/min.   Chamber can be vented tomorrow and SiC can be loaded in for the sintering process.

 Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 10:17

vented in air and opened up this morning.

coating looks good.

loading container now...

Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 12:21

Target container is loaded with 485 discs of SiC with packed length of 17.4cm. 

Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields and previously coated/sintered with TaC.

Chamber is currently being pumped down

TGHT will be ramped up to 800A, ~1800C, and TBHT is limited to 230A max.

 Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 15:53

HS valves are open, no leaks detected.

TGHT stepped up to 70A, pressure is currently at 4.17e-5 torr and coming up. 

Initiated auto-ramping at 0.5A/min for both TGHT and TBHT: good vac at 3.0e-5, bad vac at 4.0e-5 Torr.

 Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 00:03

Stopped auto-ramping about 2 hours ago.  

Manual stepped up TGHT to 73A.  Vac is stabilizing at 5e-8 Torr.  Will keep it at that current over night.

 Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 07:41

Vac has come down to 3.6e-6 Torr.

Continue to step up TGHT...

 Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 23:52

It has been a super long day operating the evaporator and finally the target is up to 1800C.  Vac is coming down from 2.e-5 Torr. 

TGHT is at 790A/12.61V, DV at 6.60V, TBHT at 230A/3.57V.  Omega temp reader is at 1680C - that's due to the window being coated with SiC, as expected. 

Target will continue heated at that current for over night, and will start the cooling process next AM. 

Thursday, June 25, 2015, 06:18  

Target is holding pretty well over night.  Vac is coming down to 1.6e-6 Torr. 

Initiated cooling down at 2A/min. 

John Wong wrote:

Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 12:21 Target container is loaded with 485 discs of SiC with packed length of 17.4cm.  Container is wrapped with 3 Ta-heat shields and previously coated/sintered with TaC. Chamber is currently being pumped down TGHT will be ramped up to 800A, ~1800C, and TBHT is limited to 230A max.  Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 15:53 HS valves are open, no leaks detected. TGHT stepped up to 70A, pressure is currently at 4.17e-5 torr and coming up.  Initiated auto-ramping at 0.5A/min for both TGHT and TBHT: good vac at 3.0e-5, bad vac at 4.0e-5 Torr.  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 00:03 Stopped auto-ramping about 2 hours ago.   Manual stepped up TGHT to 73A.  Vac is stabilizing at 5e-8 Torr.  Will keep it at that current over night.  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 07:41 Vac has come down to 3.6e-6 Torr. Continue to step up TGHT...  Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 23:52 It has been a super long day operating the evaporator and finally the target is up to 1800C.  Vac is coming down from 2.e-5 Torr.  TGHT is at 790A/12.61V, DV at 6.60V, TBHT at 230A/3.57V.  Omega temp reader is at 1680C - that's due to the window being coated with SiC, as expected.  Target will continue heated at that current for over night, and will start the cooling process next AM.  Thursday, June 25, 2015, 06:18   Target is holding pretty well over night.  Vac is coming down to 1.6e-6 Torr.  Initiated cooling down at 2A/min.

 Thursday, June 25, 2015, 16:09

Vented in air and took out this afternoon.

Target looks good [see photos]

Window for OMEGA fully coated from outgassing of target materials

 Monday, March 09, 2015, 16:47

Target consists of 400 discs.

Total packed length 3.4cm

Total mass 45.8181g

Re foil inserted.

Chamber is currently being pumped down.

No Ta-heat shield wrapped.

One end-cap inserted on left (wrt ionizer into the page)

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A/230A respectively at 2.0A/min.

 Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 10:28

HS water valves opened, no leaks detected.

IGP1 = 4.5e-7 Torr.

Power supply not responding to epics...AGAIN. grrrr 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 13:17  

IOC was rebooted - back up and running again! yay! 

IGP1 = 4.0e-7 Torr.

Tapped up manually to 35A, waited ~30min, vaccuum stable.

Initiating auto-ramp.

Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.

 Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 09:11

Target has been at max setpoints for ~14hrs.

OMEGA = 1472C

TGHT = 820A, 12.85V

TBHT = 230A, 3.696V

IGP1 = 5.5ee-7 Torr

Manually tapping up to obtain hotter internal temperature...

 Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 11:33

Current conditions:

OMEGA = 1565C

TGHT = 900A, 14.3V

TBHT = 230A, 3.7V

IGP1 = 6.3e-7 Torr

Digital pyrometer readings:

Hottest point on left leg, WRT ionizer tube into page = 2400C

Internal temp of container = 1580C

Sat at this temperature ~45min.

Initiating auto-cool at TGHT 2.0A/min, TBHT 1.0A/min

[See attached photo for collected data]

 Thursday, March 12, 2015, 13:12

vented and opened up this morning.

only reached a max internal temp of 1580C.

therefore added 3xTa heat shield and will re-condition at a higher temp.

currently pumping back down.

 Thursday, March 12, 2015, 14:34

IGP1 = 7.0e-7 Torr

stepped up to 35A, waited ~30min, vacuum stable.

IGP1 = 6.1e-7 Torr

Initating ramp-up...

 Friday, March 13, 2015, 07:47

IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr

reached max set points for TGHT = 600A, TBHT = 230A

Initiating manual tap-up.

 Friday, March 13, 2015, 10:31

Reached 720A, 1800C at 0850

Will continue to heat for ~3hrs

[see attachment for collected data]

 Friday, March 13, 2015, 12:00

Sat at max temperature, 1800C, for 3 hours.

Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min for TGHT and 1.0A/min for TBHT.

Laura Lambert wrote:

Monday, March 09, 2015, 16:47 Target consists of 400 discs. Total packed length 3.4cm Total mass 45.8181g Re foil inserted. Chamber is currently being pumped down. No Ta-heat shield wrapped. One end-cap inserted on left (wrt ionizer into the page) TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A/230A respectively at 2.0A/min.  Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 10:28 HS water valves opened, no leaks detected. IGP1 = 4.5e-7 Torr. Power supply not responding to epics...AGAIN. grrrr  Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 13:17   IOC was rebooted - back up and running again! yay!  IGP1 = 4.0e-7 Torr. Tapped up manually to 35A, waited ~30min, vaccuum stable. Initiating auto-ramp. Vacuum limit stop at 5.0e-5 Torr, backing off at 6.0e-5 Torr.  Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 09:11 Target has been at max setpoints for ~14hrs. OMEGA = 1472C TGHT = 820A, 12.85V TBHT = 230A, 3.696V IGP1 = 5.5ee-7 Torr Manually tapping up to obtain hotter internal temperature...  Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 11:33 Current conditions: OMEGA = 1565C TGHT = 900A, 14.3V TBHT = 230A, 3.7V IGP1 = 6.3e-7 Torr Digital pyrometer readings: Hottest point on left leg, WRT ionizer tube into page = 2400C Internal temp of container = 1580C Sat at this temperature ~45min. Initiating auto-cool at TGHT 2.0A/min, TBHT 1.0A/min [See attached photo for collected data]  Thursday, March 12, 2015, 13:12 vented and opened up this morning. only reached a max internal temp of 1580C. therefore added 3xTa heat shield and will re-condition at a higher temp. currently pumping back down.  Thursday, March 12, 2015, 14:34 IGP1 = 7.0e-7 Torr stepped up to 35A, waited ~30min, vacuum stable. IGP1 = 6.1e-7 Torr Initating ramp-up...  Friday, March 13, 2015, 07:47 IGP1 = 2.9e-7 Torr reached max set points for TGHT = 600A, TBHT = 230A Initiating manual tap-up.  Friday, March 13, 2015, 10:31 Reached 720A, 1800C at 0850 Will continue to heat for ~3hrs [see attachment for collected data]  Friday, March 13, 2015, 12:00 Sat at max temperature, 1800C, for 3 hours. Initiating auto-cool at 2.0A/min for TGHT and 1.0A/min for TBHT.

 Monday, March 16, 2015, 17:30

Target was removed from Evap#2.  It was successfully conditioned. 

The other end cap was inserted and expended. 

Standard salts were added.   And Re foil is inserted. 

Target is ready for assembly.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 12:28

Container is filled with 400 discs of Ta foils, and wrapped with 3 layers of Ta heat shields.

No caps are inserted during the conditioning. 

Chamber is currently being pumped down. 

 Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 15:54

HS cooling water valves opened, no leaks were detected.

IG @ 2.9e-6 Torr.

Heating setting:

TGHT max = 820A,

TBHT max = 230A

ramping rate 2A/min.

 Thursday, August 22, 2013, 12:45

TGHT/TBHT reached to 820A/230A, respectively. 

So much out-gassing was observed at the max currents.  (see attachment#1).

TGHT/TBHT are ramping down at 4A/min. 

Chamber will be vented in air.

The target will will be inspected.

More info later...

 Thursday, August 22, 2013, 16:44

Target was removed from the evaporator and inspected.

The container and the Ta materials look OK. 

The outgassing could be from the Ta-heat shields; they look burnt and brittle.

Overall, the target is good.

Monday, July 22, 2013, 15:00

Target container is coated with TaC - this container will be used for UCx#7.

Container is wrapped with 3 layers of Ta, including the back-block.

For the sintering process:

TGHT will be ramped up to 580A at 0.2A/min

TBHT will be ramped up to 230A at 0.2A/min.

Chamber has been pumped down.  HS cooling H2O valves are opened, and no leaks are detected. 

Currently IGP1 @ 7.03e-6 Torr. 

 Monday, July 22, 2013, 15:19

TGHT/TBHT was stepped up to 20A.  Pressure increased to ~1.2e-5 Torr.

Auto-ramping initiated...

 Wednesday, July 24, 2013, 18:40

TGHT and TBHT have reached to 580A/230A, respectively.  Target has been heated for ~4 hours at that max current.

Vacuum currently at 1.65e-6 Torr.

Auto-cooling initiated... (TGHT @ -1A/min, TBHT -0.5A/min)

Target will be vented in air tomorrow.

 Sunday, July 22, 2012, 20:30

The NiO target materials were loaded into the container today.  

Total discs = 500, (10 discs/pack) 

length (after loaded) = 9.0cm 

Target container is wrapped with Ta-heat shields, and will be removed after the sintering process. 

One regular end cap is inserted (with Ni-foil inserted as a divider).  The caps, however, are very loose (tried 2 caps and still loose).  Hopefully the thermo diffusion bonding will seal the cap... 

The other end is inserted with a D-cap for out-gassing proposes, and will be replaced with the regular end-cap after the process. 

(see attachment#1)

Sunday, July 22, 2012, 20:48 

The camber has been pumped down and currently IG1=1.3e-6 Torr.

The HS cooling water was turned on and no leaks were detected.  

TGHT and TBHT were stepped up to 50A. 

Auto-ramping is initiated at 0.2A/min for TGHT max = 250A, TBHT max = 230A. 

 Thursday, July 26, 2012, 23:31

TGHT and TBHT have reached to 250A (local @ 242A/2.88V) and 230A, respectively, and have stayed for ~4hrs (see attachment#2)  

Currently, IGP1 = 4.9e-7 Torr, IGP2 = 3.5e-7 Torr, CG1B = 13mTorr. 

Initiating auto-cool down at 2A/min.  

 Monday, July 30, 2012, 15:11

The chamber was vented and the target was removed.

There was significant condensation oily fluid coated Cu-heatshield lid and around the ionizer opening.

Overall, the target looks very good.  The NiO target material was nicely sintered.  No shrinkage or loose particles were observed (see attachment #3).

The endcap, however, was not properly fitted and it just fell off, (see attachment #4). 

Both ends of the target are currently opened; the expension tool for the endcap is in order and hopefully this will solve the problem.

The target is being stored in the fumehood

Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 17:04

Target oven is coated with TaC, and wrapped with 3-Ta heat shields.

TGHT and TBHT will be ramped up to 820A and 300A, respectively.

Ramping rate set to 1A/min.

Good Vac at 3.e-5 Torr, Bad Vac @ 4.0e-5 Torr.

Chamber is currently being pumped...

 Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 10:56

Chamber has pumped down to 4.5e-7 Torr. 

HS cooling water valves opened; no leaks were detected.

Stepping up TGHT/TBHT to 80A; monitoring vacuum.

 Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 11:26

Pressure is increasing.  TGHT setpoint @ 80A, readback @ 88.6A/0.603V, local @ 83A/0.80V.

 Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 12:08

TGHT/TBHT stepped up to 140A and tripped off at high limit vacuum.

Restarted p/s and set TBHT/TGHT at 100A

Initiated auto ramping...

 Friday, May 17, 2013, 11:39

TGHT and TBHT reached to 820A and 300A, respectively.  Target has been heating at the max currents for ~12hrs. 

Vacuum is coming down to 4.3e-7 Torr. 

The TaC coating sintering is completed.

Autocooling is initiated.  TGHT ramping rate @ 2A/min, and 1A/min for TBHT.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 10:43

Sintering complete.

Chamber will be vented