Rotating Band Pion Production Targets for Muon Colliders and Neutrino Factories

Abstract

An update is presented on a conceptual design for a pion production target station using a rotating cupronickel band and that was originally proposed for use at a muon collider facility with a 4 MW pulsed proton beam. After reviewing the salient design features and motivations for this target, ongoing studies are described that are attempting to benchmark the thermal stresses and radiation damage on the target band using data from the Fermilab antiproton source and other operating targets. Possible parameter optimizations and alternative technologies for the rotating band are surveyed, including discussion on the the various proton beam parameters that might be encountered for rotating band targets at either muon colliders or neutrino factories. Finally, an outline is proposed for a possible R&D path towards capability for the actual construction of rotating band pion production targets.