X-ray diffraction has been observed for the first time from material under shock compression. This was accomplished by directing a single pulse of x rays at LiF which was under compression from a shock wave, and observing the (200) diffraction line from the shock-compressed state. The experimental window for observing the effect was ∼20 nsec; the pressure behind the shock front was ∼130 kbar.

• Received 7 August 1970

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.25.1099