This user 'inherited' their position/machine, and was looking for some helpful information.
QUESTION: "I am using the IBA Cyclone 18-9, can you recommend the best carbon foil to use, and any data with respect to operating peramaters using the recommended foil?"
ANSWER: "I am told the PCG-1000 is used with this particular machine, depending on what you are making, or perhaps the tightness of the beam. However I will ask around, and get some other input."
Here is an answer submitted to me directly on this question:
"You are right that the PCG-1000 would typically be used on the 18-9. The problem is how tight of beam, transmission wise, you want to have on a beam line. The typical 18-9 has varying beam line tightness and if you want really tight beam (>85% transmission) #1 beam line then you could use PCG-400 but you can use PCG-1000 for good tightness (>70%) but the PCG-1000 foil would cause the beam on #4 to be exploded to double what it is on #1 (45% -60%). You would need PCG-400 on #4 to get tighter beam."
PCG are more forgiving when it comes to mounting process and appear, by beam on foil time, to last longer, at least for the lower energy. Arc evap version is more easy to break than PCG. Also from experience, with humidity, the foils react different to absorption of water. The arc evap maybe hold more moisture, the cyclotron must pump down and dry out the foil, or it will explode with the water upon beam strike. The PCG is better about staying dry.