Oral: Characterizing laser-heated polymer foams with a new platform for simultaneous X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Thomson scattering at LCLS/MEC

Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) research aims to revolutionize energy production. Advancing this field requires precise data on materials under extreme conditions. Here, we present the first results and next steps in our experimental campaign designed to enhance IFE research through absolute measurements of the equation of state of polymer foams driven to high energy density (HED) states. During our recent experiment at LCLS utilizing the MEC short-pulse laser, we isochorically heat polymer foam samples and probe them with highly coherent x-rays. We obtain forward and backward x-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) spectra and simultaneously perform complementary measurements via x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XFS) from dopant Co atoms in the foam. We aim to make high-precision measurements of density, temperature, and ionization state populations. These measurements will provide benchmark data at HED conditions, crucial for improving atomic models in atomic kinetic and radiation codes.