K-alpha conversion efficiency measurements for X-ray scattering in inertial confinement fusion plasmas

The conversion efficiency of ultra short-pulse laser radiation to K-α X-rays has been measured for various chlorine-containing targets to be used as X-ray scattering probes of dense plasmas. The spectral and temporal properties of these sources will allow spectrally-resolved X-ray scattering probing with picosecond temporal resolution required for measuring the plasma conditions in inertial confinement fusion experiments. Simulations of X-ray scattering spectra from these plasmas show that fuel capsule density, capsule ablator density, and shock timing information may be inferred.