Dynamic measurements of laser produced argon plasmas using high resolution X-ray Thomson scattering*

Ultra-bright coherent X-rays from the LCLS coupled with a novel micro-jet platform have enabled high resolution measurements of material properties via X-ray scattering with unprecedented dynamic range. Here we present X-ray scattering measurements from argon plasmas approaching temperatures of 200 eV. Non-resonant inelastic X-ray scattering from core, and free electrons, of ps-laser driven argon have allowed for direct measurements of the ionization, density, and temperature dynamics of the hot plasma created near the laser-material interface. Our results demonstrate the unique capability that X-ray lasers provide in order to gain detailed insights into previously unexplored regions of material phases in extreme environments.