Kilovolt x-ray scattering from a plasma

We describe a diagnostic suitable for the investigation of strong coupling effects in a plasma. The diagnostic is based on x-ray scattering of kilovolt x rays from a plasma and the determination of total x-ray scattering cross sections. The first experimental results of the total scattering cross sections from a strongly coupled plasma measured with kilovolt x rays are presented. The scattering plasma is formed by radiatively heating an Al foil with soft x rays coated by Au laser-conversion foil; the plasma is probed with Ti XXII 1s(2)-1s2p line x rays emitted from a second laser produced plasma. A detailed description of the scattering technique is presented and the potential of x-ny scattering as a diagnostic of strongly coupled plasmas is explored. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.