We report measurements of x-ray scattering cross sections for dense plasmas
created by subjecting aluminum foils to strong laser-driven shocks. A narr
ow cone of quasimonochromatic x-rays at similar to 4.75 keV was used to pro
be the shocked part of the foil and scattered photons were detected with a
CCD camera. The scattering cross section shows a clear peak, indicating dif
fraction from the plasma. Analysis and simulation of the data suggest that
radiative heating and electron-ion energy exchange are important factors in
the plasma production.