Is there a future for femtosecond x-ray diffraction using plasma x-ray sources?

Summary form only given. Femtosecond time-resolved x-ray diffraction has been demonstrated using the technique of laser-produced plasma x-ray sources. The main drawbacks of laser-produced plasmas are the weak x-ray flux available for the experiment and the monochromaticity of the x-rays. Ultrafast time resolution is at present limited to very simple systems with high x-ray diffraction power. On the basis of our experiments, we discuss the possibility to extend this technique to more complex processes such as the characterization of the fundamental atomic vibrations in solids (optical phonons) and the elementary steps of biochemical reactions.