Subnanosecond x-ray diffraction from laser-shocked crystals.

We have used single-shot sub-nanosecond x-ray diffraction to directly measure lattice parameters of crystals during the passage of laser-driven shock waves. Changes in the interatomic spacings can be measured with a temporal resolution better than 50 ps. We have studied shock-launching in single crystals and have directly measured dynamic tension during shock-breakout from a rear surface. In separate experiments we have directly observed the onset of shock-induced plasticity by diffracting from planes running perpendicular to the shock front. In addition to the single crystal work we have recently demonstrated that we can record x-ray powder patterns with sub-nanosecond exposure times; and are now in a position to laser-shock polycrystalline material simultaneously with the x-ray flash. The technique promises to be useful in the study of many fundamental problems in shock wave physics, including the behaviour of materials at the lattice level during plastic deformation and shock-induced polymorphic phase transitions.