Abstract
This system has been developed for the purpose of precise observations of shock-compression states at pressures higher than several 10s of GPa in solids. Plane impact experiments within an impact tilt-angle of 0.2 degrees, in which the impact velocity can be measured within an error of 0.5% by the X-ray beam cut-off method, are made practicable. Particle-velocity histories at two points were measured by the electromagnetic-gauge technique, within an error of 2% up to a pressure of 59.4 GPa in sapphire and stabilized zirconia.