Sputtering of Nb by 12-MeV Protons

Sputtering yields for niobium bombarded by 12-MeV protons have been measured using a technique involving prior activation of the target material. Values obtained for backward and forward sputtering are $S_{\mathrm{B}}=(1.6\mathrm{}\pm 0.1)\times {10}^{-4\mathrm{}}$ and $S_{\mathrm{F}}=(4.7\mathrm{}\pm 0.3)\times {10}^{-4\mathrm{}}$, respectively. These values, expected to be similar to fast-neutron sputtering yields, are consistent with most recently published fast-neutron data.