Absorption-spectroscopymeasurements using an embedded titanium layer have been performed onlaser implosions of spherical shells. Predicted absorption features formed bythe titanium layer were observed: absorption lines due to 1s2ptransitions in titanium ions of incomplete L shell, as wellas K-edge absorption in cold titanium. Also observed were oscillationsdue to EXAFS (Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure) above theTi K edge. The core temperature and shell areal densityand temperature are derived from the measurements and are foundto fall short of the values predicted by one-dimensional codesimulations. This shortfall is attributed to the lack of irradiationsymmetry, which leads to hydrodynamic instability and mixing (smoothing byphase plates was not used in this experiment). Signatures ofmixing include the emission of the He- line of Ti⁺²⁰due to titanium migrating to the core, as well asthe EXAFS spectrum indicating cold titanium close to peak compression.