Experimental Investigation of X-ray Sources for Use in X-ray Thomson Scattering

X-ray Thomson Scattering (XRTS) measurements demand high-brightness x-ray probes due to the small scattering cross-sections of most materials. Using the Z-Beamlet laser we investigated several x-ray sources, and endeavored to determine the conditions of the emitting plasma so that we may optimize the x-ray production. The relative line intensities from measured spectra, as well as HYDRA simulations, were used to diagnose the temperature and density of the plasma. Future XRTS experiments on Z will require the use of a foam target in order to create a spatially resolvable scattering signal. In preparation for these experiments several undriven foam scattering experiments were conducted. These results as well as plans for the upcoming Z experiment will be presented.