Targetry information for users

The Target Fabrication (TF) group builds and characterises complex micro-target assemblies for high power laser experiments.

Our services

Users with access time at the high power laser facilities will work with the Target Fabrication team to design the exact parameters for the targets for their experiment.

All target provision data and results will be available for the user group during and after the experiment.

Please contact us to discuss your requests prior to submitting your proposal. The relevant contacts are linked in each section or at the bottom of the page.

Gemini users

We have capabilities to produce targets in high numbers for experimental campaigns on the Gemini laser facility.

This includes the provision of tape target delivery systems and complex tape targets to utilise the high repetition rate available. In addition, liquid targetry is being tested and will be available for experimental use.

To help provide flexibility during an experimental run and allow the maximisation of the time available, we will engage you in a rigorous planning procedure to ensure we deliver the highest quality targets on time for your experiment.

Please contact Gemini targetry support to discuss your requests prior to submitting your proposal. Contact link not working? See bottom of page.

Email Gemini targetry About Gemini

Vulcan Dark Period support

For Vulcan or Orion type experiments, we can manufacture complex multi element, multi target clusters to the highest quality in numbers of a few hundred per experiment.

We will engage you in a rigorous planning procedure and will be fully involved in the planning of external support to ensure we deliver the highest quality targets on time for your experiment.

(Please note: it is not always possible to provide flexibility on the level of CLF experiments when supporting external facility access).

Please contact Vulcan Dark Period targetry support to discuss your requests prior to submitting your proposal. Contact link not working? See bottom of page.

Email Vulcan Dark Period targetry About Vulcan Dark Period

User FAQ

Access to TF resources is allocated dependent on a successful proposal submission to the relevant Facility Access Panel. The current capabilities of TF are listed below.

Current capabilities

3D printing and rapid additive manufacturing

We have:

  • a medium resolution (25um layer) plastic printer for prototyping target mounts, holders, and components to enable quick changes and turnaround of target delivery
  • high resolution printing (5um layer height) to enable complex target mounting and manufacture on shorter timescales at the cutting edge of the current capability
MEMS fabrication

Access to the latest fabrication technologies for mass produced targets including micro-dots, thin foils, spokes, and indents fabricated in large numbers for statistical studies.

Characterisation

We provide a full suite of characterisation services including:

  • SEM (including elemental analysis)
  • AFM and White light interferometer for surface characterisation
  • confocal microscopy and high-resolution optical microscopy
  • X-Ray tomography for sample analysis

Target characterisation requests are to be submitted before the experimental campaign, and all target provision data and results will be available for the user group during and after the experimental campaign.

Contact emails

Before submitting your access proposal, please contact the relevant CLF staff to discuss targetry requirements.

Gemini targetry support:
  • christopher.spindloe@stfc.ac.uk (Target Fabrication Group Leader)
  • sam.astbury@stfc.ac.uk (Gemini)
Vulcan Dark Period targetry support:
  • christopher.spindloe@stfc.ac.uk (Target Fabrication Group Leader)
  • pawala.ariyathilaka@stfc.ac.uk (Vulcan Dark Period)

Meet the team

Chris Spindloe

Target Fabrication Group Leader

Chris’s current research interests are high rep rate target solutions and developing novel targets for studying matter under extreme conditions.

Claire Dobson

Senior Microtarget Fabricator

Claire specialises in fabricating micro targets for high-powered experiments.

Donna Wyatt

Senior Microtarget Fabricator

She plays a key role in the daily operations of the team, liaising closely with experimental user groups to define and deliver the exact target requirements needed for successful high-power laser experiments.

Emily Reynolds

Target Development Scientist

Emily is a chemistry graduate working as part of the UPLiFT program on the research and development of inertial confinement fusion targets, with focus on their manufacture by two-photon polymerisation printing.

Martin Tolley

Target Fabrication Group Leader Emeritus

Martin joined CLF Target Fabrication Group in 2001 and became Group Leader in 2004.

Sam Astbury

Gemini and EPAC Target Support Leader

Sam develops novel target technologies for HPL experiments such as cryogenic, tape-driven and liquid targetry systems.

Pawala Ariyathilaka

Microtarget Physicist

Pawala joined the CLF in 2022 following six years of experience at CLF Scitech Precision Ltd as a Target Fabrication Scientist.

Adeel Shafqat

Industrial Placement Student

Adeel focuses on improving robotic pick-and-place systems for the precision assembly of micro-targets used in high-repetition-rate laser experiments.

Ann-Marie Norton

Materials Scientist

Her work focuses on developing and refining advanced characterisation methods for analysing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) shells to support the next generation of high-energy-density physics experiments.

Key publications

Target fabrication key papers