New regime of Thomson scattering: Probing dense plasmas with X-ray lasers

摘要

In this paper we demonstrate through calculations and theoretical analysis the first application of a x-ray laser for probing hot, high-density plasmas (n_e ≥ 10~(23) cm~(-3) ) using a Ni-like transient collisional excitation x-ray laser as a probe. Theoretical predictions are used to diagnose the electron temperature in short pulse (500 fs) laser produced plasmas. The threshold power of the x-ray probe is estimated by comparing theoretical scattering levels with plasma thermal emission. The necessary spectral resolution of the instrument sufficient for resolving electron temperature is given.