A pulsed muon beam has been generated by a 3-GeV 333-microA proton beam on a muon target made of graphite at J-PARC, Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility. The first muon beam was successfully generated in 2008, and 300-kW proton beam has been operated by a fixed target till 2014. To extend the lifetime, a muon rotating target, in which the radiation damage is distributed to a wider area, had been developed. The muon rotating target #1 was installed in 2014 and had operated for five years until 2019. The rotating target #2 has stably operated at 830 kW until now in 2023. 1-MW operation was also completed for 32hours in 2020. Simultaneously, in the COMET experiment to explore the muon-electron conversion process, 8 GeV proton beam with an intensity of 3.2 kW in Phase 1 and 56 kW in Phase 2 will irradiate targets in a superconducting solenoid magnet. The MLF 2nd target station is a future project where 3 GeV protons will irradiate a tungsten target to produce high-brightness neutrons and muons. In this presentation, the status and future prospect of the muon target at J-PARC MLF MUSE, the COMET target, and MLF 2nd target station will be introduced.

As beam power continues to increase in next-generation accelerator facilities, high-power target systems face crucial challenges. Components like beam windows and particle-production targets must endure significantly higher levels of particle fluence. The primary beam’s energy deposition causes rapid heating (thermal shock) and induces microstructural changes (radiation damage) within the target material. These effects ultimately deteriorate the components’ properties and lifespan. With conventional materials already stretched to their limits, we are exploring novel materials including High-Entropy Alloys and Electrospun Nanofibers that offer a fresh approach to enhancing tolerance against thermal shock and radiation damage. Following an introduction to the challenges facing high-power target systems, we will give an overview of the promising advancements we have made so far in customizing the compositions and microstructures of these pioneering materials. Our focus is on optimizing their in-beam thermomechanical and physics performance. Additionally, we will outline our imminent plans for in-beam irradiation experiments and advanced material characterizations.

ESS is completing the installation of the first phase of operation, which will start in fall 2024 on the partial beam dump and proceed with operation on the target in 2025, after receiving the intentional neutron production license from the authorities. All modules for this operation phase, with an energy reach of 870 MeV and a power capability of 2 MW, will be tested by spring 2024. The CM performance, associated statistics and the resulting linac composition is discussed here. Testing activities for the remaining CM for the full ESS 5 MW scope will continue until mid 2026.