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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Applying X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectroscopy for Use as a High Temperature Plasma Diagnostic
Published on: August 25, 2016
Demonstration of x-ray Thomson scattering using picosecond K-alpha x-ray sources in the characterization of dense
A L Kritcher1, P Neumayer, H J Lee
1Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA. kritcher@berkeley.edu
Abstract:
We present K-alpha x-ray Thomson scattering from shock compressed matter for use as a diagnostic in determining the temperature, density, and ionization state with picosecond resolution. The development of this source as a diagnostic as well as stringent requirements for successful K-alpha x-ray Thomson scattering are addressed. Here, the first elastic and inelastic scattering measurements on a medium size laser facility have been observed. We present scattering data from solid density carbon plasmas with >1x10(5) photons in the elastic peak that validate the capability of single shot characterization of warm dense matter and the ability to use this scattering source at future free electron lasers and for fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), LLNL.
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