  We present preliminary results of an experimental study exploring helium at
photospheric conditions of white dwarf stars. These data were collected at
Sandia National Laboratories' Z-machine, the largest x-ray source on earth. Our
helium results could have many applications ranging from validating current DB
white dwarf model atmospheres to providing accurate He pressure shifts at
varying temperatures and densities. In a much broader context, these helium
data can be used to guide theoretical developments in new continuum-lowering
models for two-electron atoms. We also discuss future applications of our
updated experimental design, which enables us to sample a greater range of
densities, temperatures, and gas compositions.
