Overview of CSNS tantalum cladded tungsten solid Target-1 and Target-2

A solid tungsten target was used at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) with 100 kW proton beam power. To improve the lifetime, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process was selected to bond tantalum cladding with tungsten plates. Radioactive isotope 182Ta, an activation product of tantalum, was found in the cooling water after a period of operation, however, no radioactive isotopes of 187W was found, which shows the tantalum layer remained mostly intact. The CSNS Target-1 had been operating safely for three years and was replaced by Target-2 in August 2020.