Picosecond X-ray diffraction from laser-irradiated crystals

We performed time-resolved X-ray diffraction for laser-irradiated Si(1 1 1) single crystal. A tabletop TW laser system was used for the generation of the ultra-short pulsed X-rays. We discussed the generation of laser induced ultra-short pulsed X-rays concerning about broadening of diffracted signal due to the electron scattering in the pre-plasma. We measured laser induced acoustic wave propagation inside of Si crystal by the laser irradiation, and the maximum lattice strain of −1.05% was measured at the irradiation power density of 4.7×109 W/cm2 with picosecond time resolution. Stress distribution analysis on the observed data under laser irradiation is also discussed.