A proposed intense slow positron source based on ⁵⁸Co Available to Purchase

Positron beams have proven very useful for condensed matter and surface research. The highest intensity of the current operating positron beams is ∼10⁹ slow e⁺/second. The goal of our proposal is to build an Intense Slow Positron Source (ISPS) demonstration beam (Phase I) of unprecedented brightness at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, INEL (up to 10¹⁰ slow e⁺/s at 5 keV over a <0.03 cm. diameter). This Phase I beam will prove the principles necessary to build a larger facility scale ISPS Phase II beam which will have a potential of 10¹³ e⁺/s, or ≳10¹² e⁺/s over 0.03 cm. The INEL is an ideal location for the ISPS because of the fast breeder reactor EBR‐II, which is perfectly suited to creating the positron emitting isotope ⁵⁸Co, and the excellent radioactive materials handling capability and expertise. Sufficient expertise is available at INEL for the construction and operation of a user facility (Phase II).