Peñas Juan, Bembibre Adrian, Cortina-Gil Dolores, Martín Lucía, Reija Alicia, Ruiz Camilo, Seimetz Michael, Alejo Aaron, Benlliure Jose
Author Affiliations
Universidade de Santiago de CompostelaUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaCSIC-UPVshow less
Abstract
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 10Hz. Stable and continuous laser-driven proton acceleration at 10 Hz is demonstrated, with observed cut-off energy stability about 15%.