Dense matter characterization by X-ray Thomson scattering

We discuss the extension of the powerful technique of Thomson scattering to the X-ray regime for providing an independent measure of plasma parameters for dense plasmas. By spectrally resolving the scattering, the coherent (Rayleigh) unshifted scattering component can be separated from the incoherent Thomson component, which is both Compton and Doppler shifted. The free electron density and temperature can then be inferred from the spectral shape of the high-frequency Thomson scattering component. In addition, as the plasma temperature is decreased, the electron velocity distribution as measured by incoherent Thomson scattering will make a transition from the traditional Gaussian Boltzmann distribution to a density-dependent parabolic Fermi distribution. We also present a discussion for a proof-of-principle experiment appropriate for a high-energy laser facility. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.