X-ray Spectroscopies of High Energy Density Matter Created with X-ray Free Electron Lasers

Abstract

The recent progress in the development of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) allows for the delivery of over 1011 high-energy photons to solid-density samples in a femtosecond time scale. The corresponding peak brightness of XFEL induces a nonlinear response of matter in a short-wavelength regime. The absorption of an XFEL pulse in a solid also results in the creation of high energy density (HED) matter. The electronic structure and related fundamental properties of such HED matter can be investigated with the control of XFEL and various X-ray spectroscopic techniques. These experimental data provide unique opportunities to benchmark theories and models for extreme conditions and to guide further advances. In this article, the current progress in spectroscopic studies on intense XFEL–matter interactions and HED matter are reviewed, and future research opportunities are discussed.