X-ray-absorption fine-structure measurement using a laser-compressed target as a source

Laser-compressed targets are shown to be a powerful source of x-ray continuum suitable for (dynamic) absorption fine-structure studies. A 50-psec six-beam laser pulse of peak power 2 TW produced a continuum x-ray fluence of 2.5×1015 photons/keV at 2.6 keV (of duration∼100 psec). We used this source to record the sulfur K-edge absorption fine structure in diffraction from a gypsum crystal.