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 more than 5000 targets, mounted on a 3D motorized 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, enables operation at rates up to 10 Hz. Stable and continuous laser-driven proton acceleration at 10 Hz is demonstrated, with observed cut-off energy stability about 15%.

The designs of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets, which field on ShenGuang III, are becoming more complex and more stringent in terms of assembly precision. A key specification of these targets is the spatial angle alignment accuracy. To meet these needs, we present a new spatial angle assembly method, using target part’s 3D model-based dual orthogonal camera vision, which is better suited for the flexible automation of target assembly processes. The two-hands structure micromanipulate system and dual orthogonal structure visual feedback system were investigated by considering the kinematics, spatial angle measuring, and motion control in an integrated way. In this paper, we discuss the measurement accuracy of spatial angle assembly method, which compared the real-time image acquisition with the redrawing 2D projection. The result shows that the assembly method proposed is very effective and meets the requirements of angle assembly accuracy, which is less than $1^{\circ }$. Also, this work is expected to contribute greatly to the advancement of other target microassembly equipments.