Assembly Station for Automated Membrane Gluing on Gas Targets

The variety in the design of laser targets experimented at CEA requires versatile and adaptable target assembly stations. Even if assembly technician know-how remains essential and indispensable, automation appears to be a valuable solution to improve productivity and target quality [Carlson et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. Vol. 70, p. 274 (2016); Lee et al., Fusion Sci. Technol., Vol. 59, p. 227 (2011); and Schmidt, Fusion Sci. Technol., Vol. 55, p. 290 (2009)]. Given the variety of target designs, automation is investigated essentially as an operator support on some specific and repetitive tasks. The gluing of the laser entrance hole membrane on gas targets is a typical example. CEA has developed an automated station dedicated to this specific operation. The main objectives are to increase productivity and reduce sensibility to operator know-how. A concept prototype (for a single holhraum) has been designed and successfully tested and the implementation of multiple devices on the station is about to begin. This paper gives a complete presentation of the station and of the developments achieved.