X-Ray Diffraction During Shock-Wave Compression

Abstract

X-ray diffraction has been observed for the first time from material under shock compression. This was accomplished by directing a single pulse of x rays at LiF which was under compression from a shock wave, and observing the (200) diffraction line from the shock-compressed state. The experimental window for observing the effect was ∼20 nsec; the pressure behind the shock front was ∼130 kbar.