Inelastic X-ray Scattering for Warm Dense Matter Studies

Paul Davis, University of California, Berkeley

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The warm dense matter regime is currently of interest due to applications in astrophysics, planetary science and inertial fusion. Characteristic densities of order solid density and temperatures of a few electron volts preclude traditional approaches from classical plasma or solid state physics, since strong Coulombic interactions, electron degeneracy and large temperatures are present. Inelastic x-ray scattering offers a powerful diagnostic method for characterizing the densities and temperatures of warm, dense systems. We summarize this approach and present recent data from experiments performed on the Jupiter laser, using laser-produced K-alpha x-rays to probe shock compressed matter.

Abstract Author(s): P. Davis, R. Falcone