Time-resolved diffraction with an optimized short pulse laser plasma X-ray source.

We present a setup for time-resolved X-ray diffraction based on a short pulse, laser-driven plasma X-ray source. The employed modular design provides high flexibility to adapt the setup to the specific requirements (e.g., X-ray optics and sample environment) of particular applications. The configuration discussed here has been optimized toward high angular/momentum resolution and uses K α -radiation (4.51 keV) from a Ti wire-target in combination with a toroidally bent crystal for collection, monochromatization, and focusing of the emitted radiation. 2 × 10 5 Ti-K α1 photons per pulse with 10 - 4 relative bandwidth are delivered to the sample at a repetition rate of 10 Hz. This allows for the high dynamic range (104) measurements of transient changes in the rocking curves of materials as for example induced by laser-triggered strain waves.