X-ray scattering measurements of Plasmons in solid density plasmas*

We have developed a novel collective x-ray scattering technique to measure the physical properties of dense matter including temperature, density, and ionization state. The forward scattering spectrum of a laser-produced narrow-band x-ray line from isochorically heated solid-density beryllium has shown the plasmon resonance whose frequency position is a sensitive measure of the electron density. Moreover, dynamic structure calculations indicate that collisions, detailed balance, and Landau damping affect the shape of the plasmon spectrum. This technique will enable new applications to determine the equation of state and compressibility of dense matter.