System and method for making a solid target within a production chamber of a target assembly

A system comprising:

• a particle accelerator configured to generate a particle beam;
• a target assembly having a production chamber, the target assembly including an electrode and a conductive base exposed to the production chamber, the target assembly having fluidic ports that provide access to the production chamber;
• a fluidic-control system having a storage vessel configured to hold an electrolytic solution and fluidic lines that connect to the fluidic ports of the target assembly, the storage vessel and the production chamber of the target assembly being in flow communication through at least one of the fluidic lines;
• and
• a power source configured to be electrically connected to the electrode and the conductive base, wherein the production chamber, the electrode, and the conductive base form an electrolytic cell when the electrolytic solution is disposed in the production chamber;
• wherein the fluidic-control system includes at least one pump in flow communication with the production chamber, the at least one pump configured to induce a flow of the electrolytic solution into the production chamber and, after voltage has been applied by the power source, induce a flow of the electrolytic solution out of the production chamber.

A method of generating a solid target, the method comprising:

• flowing an electrolytic solution into a production chamber of a target assembly, the target assembly including an electrode and a conductive base positioned in the production chamber, wherein the production chamber, the electrode, the conductive base, and the electrolytic solution form an electrolytic cell;
• applying a voltage to the target assembly thereby depositing a solid target along the conductive base;
• and
• flowing the electrolytic solution out of production chamber after the voltage has been applied.