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

Abstract
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.