2024/01/18 by Peñas, J., Bembibre, A., Cortina-Gil, D. +6 · 1 citation
#Accelerator Physics (physics.acc-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Plasma Physics (physics.plasm-ph)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2401.10173
A multi-shot target assembly and automatic alignment procedure for laser-plasma proton acceleration at high-repetition-rate are introduced. The assembly is based on a multi-target rotating wheel capable of hosting >5000 targets, mounted on a three-dimensional motorised stage to allow rapid replenishment and alignment of the target material between laser irradiations. The automatic alignment procedure consists of a detailed mapping of the impact positions at the target surface prior to the irradiation that ensures stable operation of the target, which alongside the purpose-built design of the target wheel, enable the operation at rates up to 10 Hz. Stable and continuous laser-driven proton acceleration is demonstrated, with observed cut-off energy stability about 15%.