Technical Information
Areal Density
Standard foils are regularly available from stock. They are categorized by their areal density, with minimal variation (+/- 10% or +/- 0.2µg/sq.cm for the thinnest foils). Tighter tolerances are available by quote. The areal density of our foils, also known as surface density, specific density, or mass per unit area, is in units of micrograms per square centimeter. Foils are measured optically and/or by weighing in order to maximize accuracy. Please see the ACF-Metals' "Product Information" for more properties of these foils, especially for information regarding flatness, smoothness, and light-tightness.
Collodion Option
Foils below 5.0µg/sq.cm may be difficult to mount over apertures larger than a few mm in diameter. When requested, ACF-Metals will add an additional coating of collodion on one side of the carbon foil. This provides additional support for the foil, and for some users, a longer foil lifetime.
Light Tightness
In order to minimize issues associated with naturally occurring pinholes, some investigators will use multiple layers of carbon foils. Light tightness may be particularly important when foils are used as optical filters, neutralizer foils, and windows for low-pressure gas-cell targets. ACF-Metals offers layered carbon foils in certain thicknesses. Note: Pinholes are observed to form spontaneously in hybrid type boron-carbon foils at temperatures above 1800 K, another reason why ACF-Metals does not offer hybrid foils.
Additional Savings
Quantity discounts are available on single shipments of carbon foils of the same size and areal density: 5% (quantity of 100+) or 10% (quantity of 1000+). Please contact ACF-Metals directly to place orders that would involve this discount.
Please request a FREE COPY of our PRODUCT INFORMATION, for elaboration on the above highlights and for additional helpful information!
Carbon Stripper Foil Essentials
The Best Carbon Stripper Foils
for Cyclotron Produced Radioisotopes
ACF Metals has been working alongside international nuclear target makers for over 54 years in a systematic and conscientious effort to produce stripper foils on forks that are of the highest purity, uniformity, and stability.
As there is no one type of carbon foil, perfect for every application, we take seriously our job in helping the user select the best foil and fork for their particular application. We also provide useful mounting information that enables the user to get the most lifetime from each and every foil, limiting downtime and unnecessary exposure.
Advanced Fork Options and Customization
Since 2006 we have offered our foils mounted on alternative forks, including graphite, tungsten, and titanium forks. These alternative forks have significantly smaller CTE (thermal expansion rate) which allows them to be used in more extreme temperatures — essential for many applications — and they fit perfectly into their carousel holders.
The standard aluminum fork is used with consistent excellent results for users that don't experience thermal issues in their applications.
We continue to serve and work with the medical imaging community as it progresses towards more efficient ways to produce radiopharmaceuticals, a critical tool being used for the diagnosis and staging of disease.