  The physics basis for an electron-beam based Compton scattering (ECOS) x-ray
source is investigated for single-shot experiments at major high energy density
facilities such as the Omega Laser Facility, National Ignition Facility, and Z
pulsed power facility. A source of monoenergetic ($\delta\epsilon/\epsilon <
5\%$) 10- to 50-keV x rays can be produced by scattering of a short-pulse
optical laser by a 23- to 53-MeV electron beam and collimating the scattered
photons. The number and spectrum of scattered photons is calculated as a
function of electron packet charge, electron and laser pulse duration, laser
intensity, and collision geometry. A source with greater than 10$^{10}$ photons
in a 1-mm radius spot at the OMEGA target chamber center and 100-ps time
resolution is plausible with the available electron gun and laser technology.
Design requirements for diffraction, inelastic scattering and imaging
experiments as well as opportunities for improved performance are discussed.
