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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Applying X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectroscopy for Use as a High Temperature Plasma Diagnostic
Published on: August 25, 2016
X-Ray diffraction from a dense plasma
1School of Mathematics and Physics, Queens University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
We report measurements of x-ray scattering cross sections for dense plasmas created by subjecting aluminum foils to strong laser-driven shocks. A narrow cone of quasimonochromatic x-rays at approximately 4.75 keV was used to probe the shocked part of the foil and scattered photons were detected with a CCD camera. The scattering cross section shows a clear peak, indicating diffraction from the plasma. Analysis and simulation of the data suggest that radiative heating and electron-ion energy exchange are important factors in the plasma production.
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