[Paper Review] High-repetition-rate solid tape target delivery system for ultra-intense laser-matter interaction at CLPU

M. Ehret, Diego de Luis+7 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Feb 9, 2023

Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics34 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper presents a high-repetition-rate solid tape target delivery system for ultra-intense laser-matter interactions at the CLPU's VEGA-3 laser facility, enabling 1 Hz operation with stable, repeatable target delivery using spooled tape strips. The system achieves consistent ion spectra and electromagnetic pulse measurements, demonstrating shot-to-shot stability essential for high-repetition-rate petawatt laser experiments.

ABSTRACT

The VEGA-3 laser system at the Centro de Láseres Pulsados (CLPU) delivers laser pulses up to 1PW at 1Hz repetition rate, focused to intensities up to 2.5e20W/cm2. A versatile and compact targetry solution suitable for this repetition rate is presented. The system can operate in the challenging petawatt laser environment close to the laser-plasma interaction. Strips are spooled in a tape target system to deliver a solid density target to the laser focus for every shot. Results are presented for different tape materials and thicknesses. Experimental ion spectra are recorded by a Thomson Parabola Ion Spectrometer coupled with a scintillator screen; and an antenna array is used for the characterization of electromagnetic pulses. The results of both diagnostics show a good shot-to-shot stability of the system.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop a compact, reliable target delivery system compatible with the 1 Hz repetition rate of the VEGA-3 1 PW laser system at CLPU.
• To address the challenge of delivering solid-density targets at high repetition rates in the harsh environment near the laser-plasma interaction point.
• To ensure shot-to-shot stability for consistent data acquisition in ultra-intense laser-matter interaction experiments.
• To evaluate different tape materials and thicknesses for optimal performance in ion and electromagnetic pulse diagnostics.

Proposed method

• A spooled tape target system delivers solid-density targets to the laser focus at 1 Hz, using precision mechanical control for consistent positioning.
• Tape strips of varying materials (e.g., polymer, metal) and thicknesses (e.g., 10–100 μm) are tested to assess performance under ultra-intense laser irradiation.
• A Thomson Parabola Ion Spectrometer combined with a scintillator screen records ion spectra for each shot to evaluate target quality and stability.
• An antenna array is used to characterize electromagnetic pulses generated during laser-target interaction.
• The system is integrated into the VEGA-3 laser facility, operating in close proximity to the interaction point under high-intensity conditions.
• Diagnostic data from ion spectra and EM pulses are analyzed for shot-to-shot reproducibility and consistency.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can a solid tape target delivery system reliably supply solid-density targets at 1 Hz repetition rate in a 1 PW laser environment?
• RQ2 How do different tape materials and thicknesses affect the stability and quality of ion spectra in ultra-intense laser-matter interactions?
• RQ3 To what extent does the tape system maintain shot-to-shot reproducibility in ion emission and electromagnetic pulse generation?
• RQ4 How does the system perform under the extreme thermal and mechanical conditions near the laser focus?

Key findings

• The tape target system enables stable, repeatable delivery of solid-density targets at 1 Hz, matching the repetition rate of the VEGA-3 1 PW laser system.
• Ion spectra measured via the Thomson Parabola Spectrometer show consistent shot-to-shot stability across multiple test runs.
• Electromagnetic pulse measurements using the antenna array confirm reproducible emission characteristics, indicating reliable target interaction.
• Different tape materials and thicknesses (e.g., 10–100 μm) were successfully tested, with performance varying based on material properties and target density.
• The system demonstrates robustness in the high-repetition-rate, high-intensity environment near the laser-plasma interaction point.
• The combination of diagnostics confirms the system’s suitability for high-repetition-rate experiments requiring high data fidelity.