X-ray scattering as a dense plasma diagnostic

We show here that x-ray scattering can be a useful and potentially powerful plasma diagnostic, much in the same way as in liquid metals. The model used in the calculations is briefly described. The basic atomic data used here are obtained from the average atom INFERNO model. Three different configurations were studied: an Al plasma at several eV and a density of 0.1g/cm³, which could be produced by radiatively heating an Al foil; an ultradense Al plasma which could be realized using colliding shock waves; and femtosecond laser produced plasmas. In the latter case we show that the applicability of the x-ray scattering method for obtaining information on both electron and ion temperature can be used in order to evaluate the electron-ion relaxation time. It is also shown that small angle scattering provides an equation of state diagnostic.