Positioning of Transparent Targets Using Defocusing Method in a Laser Proton Accelerator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a precise, fast positioning method for transparent targets in laser proton accelerators using a defocusing technique to visualize phase objects, achieving 2 micrometer accuracy.

Contribution

The study presents a novel defocusing-based positioning system for transparent targets, enhancing accuracy and speed in laser proton accelerator setups.

Findings

Achieved 2 μm positioning accuracy.

Demonstrated reliable target positioning in laser experiments.

Developed a rapid positioning method based on spherical aberration analysis.

Abstract

We report a positioning method for transparent targets with an accuracy of \SI{2}{\mu m} for a compact laser proton accelerator. The positioning system consists of two light-emitting diodes (LED), a long working distance objective and two charge coupled devices (CCD) for illumination, imaging and detection, respectively. We developed a defocusing method making transparent targets visible as phase objects and applied it to our system. Precise positioning of transparent targets can be realized by means of minimizing the image contrast of the phase objects. Fast positioning based on the relationship between the radius of spherical aberration ring and defocusing distance is also realized. Laser proton acceleration experiments have been performed to demonstrate the reliability of this positioning system.