Generation and characterization of high energy density matter in the laboratory

Matter at extreme pressures and densities is prevalent in the interior of compact astrophysical objects, such as giant planets. The theoretical description of matter at these high energy density (HED) conditions poses a great challenge and highly computing intensive calculations are employed to predict material properties crucial to modelling planetary structure and evolution. With the availability of powerful drivers, such as large laser facilities or intense heavy ion beams, matter at HED conditions can be produced and studied in the laboratory, allowing to test dense matter modelling. In this talk I will highlight experimental activities of the EMMI fellow group in HED science, with a particular focus on x-ray diagnostic techniques applicable to plasma physics experiments at the future FAIR facility.