Influence of local-field corrections on Thomson scattering in collision-dominated two-component plasmas

Modeling of warm dense hydrogen via explicit real-time electron dynamics: Dynamic structure factors

We present two methods for computing the dynamic structure factor for warm dense hydrogen without invoking either the Born-Oppenheimer approximation or the Chihara decomposition, by employing a wave-packet description that resolves the electron dynamics during ion evolution. First, a semiclassical method is discussed, which is corrected based on known quantum constraints, and second, a direct computation of the density response function within the molecular dynamics. The wave-packet models are compared to PIMC and DFT-MD for the static and low-frequency behavior. For the high-frequency behavior the models recover the expected behavior in the limits of small and large momentum transfers and show the characteristic flattening of the plasmon dispersion for intermediate momentum transfers due to interactions, in agreement with commonly used models for x-ray Thomson scattering. By modeling the electrons and ions on an equal footing, both the ion and free electron part of the spectrum can now be treated within a single framework where we simultaneously resolve the ion-acoustic and plasmon mode, with a self-consistent description of collisions and screening.

Ab Initio Path Integral Monte Carlo Simulations of the Uniform Electron Gas on Large Length Scales

The accurate description of non-ideal quantum many-body systems is of prime importance for a host of applications within physics, quantum chemistry, materials science, and related disciplines. At finite temperatures, the gold standard is given by ab initio path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations, which do not require any empirical input but exhibit an exponential increase in the required computation time for Fermionic systems with an increase in system size N. Very recently, computing Fermionic properties without this bottleneck based on PIMC simulations of fictitious identical particles has been suggested. In our work, we use this technique to perform very large (N ≤ 1000) PIMC simulations of the warm dense electron gas and demonstrate that it is capable of providing a highly accurate description of the investigated properties, i.e., the static structure factor, the static density response function, and the local field correction, over the entire range of length scales.

X-ray Thomson scattering spectra from density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations based on a modified Chihara formula

We study ab initio approaches for calculating x-ray Thomson scattering spectra from density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations based on a modified Chihara formula that expresses the inelastic contribution in terms of the dielectric function. We study the electronic dynamic structure factor computed from the Mermin dielectric function using an ab initio electron-ion collision frequency in comparison to computations using a linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (LR-TDDFT) framework for hydrogen and beryllium and investigate the dispersion of free-free and bound-free contributions to the scattering signal. A separate treatment of these contributions, where only the free-free part follows the Mermin dispersion, shows good agreement with LR-TDDFT results for ambient-density beryllium, but breaks down for highly compressed matter where the bound states become pressure ionized. LR-TDDFT is used to reanalyze x-ray Thomson scattering experiments on beryllium demonstrating strong deviations from the plasma conditions inferred with traditional analytic models at small scattering angles.

Assessing the accuracy of hybrid exchange-correlation functionals for the density response of warm dense electrons

We assess the accuracy of common hybrid exchange-correlation (XC) functionals (PBE0, PBE0-1/3, HSE06, HSE03, and B3LYP) within the Kohn-Sham density functional theory for the harmonically perturbed electron gas at parameters relevant for the challenging conditions of the warm dense matter. Generated by laser-induced compression and heating in the laboratory, the warm dense matter is a state of matter that also occurs in white dwarfs and planetary interiors. We consider both weak and strong degrees of density inhomogeneity induced by the external field at various wavenumbers. We perform an error analysis by comparing with the exact quantum Monte Carlo results. In the case of a weak perturbation, we report the static linear density response function and the static XC kernel at a metallic density for both the degenerate ground-state limit and for partial degeneracy at the electronic Fermi temperature. Overall, we observe an improvement in the density response when the PBE0, PBE0-1/3, HSE06, and HSE03 functionals are used, compared with the previously reported results for the PBE, PBEsol, local-density approximation, and AM05 functionals; B3LYP, on the other hand, does not perform well for the considered system. Additionally, the PBE0, PBE0-1/3, HSE06, and HSE03 functionals are more accurate for the density response properties than SCAN in the regime of partial degeneracy.

Ab Initio Static Exchange-Correlation Kernel across Jacob's Ladder without Functional Derivatives

The electronic exchange─correlation (XC) kernel constitutes a fundamental input for the estimation of a gamut of properties such as the dielectric characteristics, the thermal and electrical conductivity, or the response to an external perturbation. In this work, we present a formally exact methodology for the computation of the system specific static XC kernel exclusively within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) and without employing functional derivatives─no external input apart from the usual XC-functional is required. We compare our new results with exact quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) data for the archetypical uniform electron gas model under both ambient and warm dense matter conditions. This gives us unprecedented insights into the performance of different XC functionals, and it has important implications for the development of new functionals that are designed for the application at extreme temperatures. In addition, we obtain new DFT results for the XC kernel of warm dense hydrogen as it occurs in fusion applications and astrophysical objects. The observed excellent agreement to the QMC reference data demonstrates that presented framework is capable to capture nontrivial effects such as XC-induced isotropy breaking in the density response of hydrogen at large wave numbers.

Thermal excitation signals in the inhomogeneous warm dense electron gas

We investigate the emergence of electronic excitations from the inhomogeneous electronic structure at warm dense matter parameters based on first-principles calculations. The emerging modes are controlled by the imposed perturbation amplitude. They include satellite signals around the standard plasmon feature, transformation of plasmons to optical modes, and double-plasmon modes. These modes exhibit a pronounced dependence on the temperature. This makes them potentially invaluable for the diagnostics of plasma parameters in the warm dense matter regime. We demonstrate that these modes can be probed with present experimental techniques.

New frontiers in extreme conditions science at synchrotrons and free electron lasers

Synchrotrons and free electron lasers are unique facilities to probe the atomic structure and electronic properties of matter at extreme thermodynamical conditions. In this context, 'matter at extreme pressures and temperatures' was one of the science drivers for the construction of low emittance 4th generation synchrotron sources such as the Extremely Brilliant Source of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and hard x-ray free electron lasers, such as the European x-ray free electron laser. These new user facilities combine static high pressure and dynamic shock compression experiments to outstanding high brilliance and submicron beams. This combination not only increases the data-quality but also enlarges tremendously the accessible pressure, temperature and density space. At the same time, the large spectrum of available complementary x-ray diagnostics for static and shock compression studies opens unprecedented insights into the state of matter at extremes. The article aims at highlighting a new horizon of scientific opportunities based on the synergy between extremely brilliant synchrotrons and hard x-ray free electron lasers.

Effective Static Approximation: A Fast and Reliable Tool for Warm-Dense Matter Theory

We present an effective static approximation (ESA) to the local field correction (LFC) of the electron gas that enables highly accurate calculations of electronic properties like the dynamic structure factor S(q,ω), the static structure factor S(q), and the interaction energy v. The ESA combines the recent neural-net representation by T. Dornheim et al., [J. Chem. Phys. 151, 194104 (2019)JCPSA60021-960610.1063/1.5123013] of the temperature-dependent LFC in the exact static limit with a consistent large wave-number limit obtained from quantum Monte Carlo data of the on-top pair distribution function g(0). It is suited for a straightforward integration into existing codes. We demonstrate the importance of the LFC for practical applications by reevaluating the results of the recent x-ray Thomson scattering experiment on aluminum by Sperling et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 115001 (2015)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.115.115001]. We find that an accurate incorporation of electronic correlations in terms of the ESA leads to a different prediction of the inelastic scattering spectrum than obtained from state-of-the-art models like the Mermin approach or linear-response time-dependent density functional theory. Furthermore, the ESA scheme is particularly relevant for the development of advanced exchange-correlation functionals in density functional theory.

Multiple scattering theory for dense plasmas

Dense plasmas occur in stars, giant planets, and in inertial fusion experiments. Accurate modeling of the electronic structure of these plasmas allows for prediction of material properties that can in turn be used to simulate these astrophysical objects and terrestrial experiments. But modeling them remains a challenge. Here we explore the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green's function (KKR-GF) method for this purpose. We find that it is able to predict equation of state in good agreement with other state-of-the-art methods, where they are accurate and viable. In addition, it is shown that the computational cost does not significantly change with temperature, in contrast with other approaches. Moreover, the method does not use pseudopotentials-core states are calculated self consistently. We conclude that KKR-GF is a very promising method for dense plasma simulation.

Ab initio dielectric response function of diamond and other relevant high pressure phases of carbon

The electronic structure and dielectric properties of the diamond, body centered cubic diamond (bc8), and hexagonal diamond (lonsdaleite) phases of carbon are computed using density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory with the emphasis on the excitonic picture of the solid phases relevant in the regimes of high-pressure physics and warm dense matter. We also discuss the capabilities of reproducing the inelastic x-ray scattering spectra in comparison with the existing models in light of recent x-ray scattering experiments on carbon and carbon bearing materials in the Megabar range.

High-frequency response of classical strongly coupled plasmas

The dynamic structure factor (DSF) of the Yukawa system is here obtained with highly converged molecular dynamics (MD) over the entire liquid phase. The data provide a rigorous test of theoretical models of ion-acoustic wave-dispersion relations, the intermediate scattering function, and the high-frequency response. We compare our MD results with seven diverse models, finding good agreement among those that enforce the three basic sum rules for dispersion properties, although one of the models has previously unreported spurious peaks. The MD simulations reveal that at intermediate frequencies ω, the high-frequency response of the DSF follows a power law, going approximately as ω^{-p}, where p>0, and p shows nontrivial dependencies on the wave vector q and the plasma parameters κ and Γ. In contrast, among the seven comparison models, the predicted high-frequency response is found to be independent of {q,κ,Γ}. This high-frequency power suggests a useful fitting form. In addition, these results expose limitations of several models and, moreover, suggest that some approaches are difficult or impossible to extend because of the lack of finite moments. We also find the double-plasmon resonance peak in our MD simulations that none of the theoretical models predicts.

Ab initio Path Integral Monte Carlo Results for the Dynamic Structure Factor of Correlated Electrons: From the Electron Liquid to Warm Dense Matter

The accurate description of electrons at extreme density and temperature is of paramount importance for, e.g., the understanding of astrophysical objects and inertial confinement fusion. In this context, the dynamic structure factor S(q,ω) constitutes a key quantity as it is directly measured in x-ray Thomson scattering experiments and governs transport properties like the dynamic conductivity. In this work, we present the first ab initio results for S(q,ω) by carrying out extensive path integral Monte Carlo simulations and developing a new method for the required analytic continuation, which is based on the stochastic sampling of the dynamic local field correction G(q,ω). In addition, we find that the so-called static approximation constitutes a promising opportunity to obtain high-quality data for S(q,ω) over substantial parts of the warm dense matter regime.

Structural characteristics of strongly coupled ions in a dense quantum plasma

The structural properties of strongly coupled ions in dense plasmas with moderately to strongly degenerate electrons are investigated in the framework of the one-component plasma model of ions interacting through a screened pair interaction potential. Special focus is put on the description of the electronic screening in the Singwi-Tosi-Land-Sjölander (STLS) approximation. Different cross-checks and analyses using ion potentials obtained from ground-state quantum Monte Carlo data, the random phase approximation (RPA), and existing analytical models are presented for the computation of the structural properties, such as the pair distribution and the static structure factor, of strongly coupled ions. The results are highly sensitive to the features of the screened pair interaction potential. This effect is particularly visible in the static structure factor. The applicability range of the screened potential computed from STLS is identified in terms of density and temperature of the electrons. It is demonstrated that at r_{s}>1, where r_{s} is the ratio of the mean interelectronic distance to the Bohr radius, electronic correlations beyond RPA have a nonnegligible effect on the structural properties. Additionally, the applicability of the hypernetted chain approximation for the calculation of the structural properties using the screened pair interaction potential is analyzed employing the effective coupling parameter approach.

First-Principles Estimation of Electronic Temperature from X-Ray Thomson Scattering Spectrum of Isochorically Heated Warm Dense Matter

Through the perturbation formula of time-dependent density functional theory broadly employed in the calculation of solids, we provide a first-principles calculation of x-ray Thomson scattering spectrum of isochorically heated aluminum foil, as considered in the experiments of Sperling et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 115001 (2015)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.115.115001], where ions were constrained near their lattice positions. From the calculated spectra, we find that the electronic temperature cannot exceed 2 eV, much smaller than the previous estimation of 6 eV via the detailed balance relation. Our results may well be an indication of unique electronic properties of warm dense matter, which can be further illustrated by future experiments. The lower electronic temperature predicted partially relieves the concern on the heating of x-ray free electron laser to the sample when used in structure measurement.

Quantum theory for the dynamic structure factor in correlated two-component systems in nonequilibrium: Application to x-ray scattering

We present a quantum theory for the dynamic structure factors in nonequilibrium, correlated, two-component systems such as plasmas or warm dense matter. The polarization function, which is needed as the input for the calculation of the structure factors, is calculated in nonequilibrium based on a perturbation expansion in the interaction strength. To make our theory applicable for x-ray scattering, a generalized Chihara decomposition for the total electron structure factor in nonequilibrium is derived. Examples are given and the influence of correlations and exchange on the structure and the x-ray-scattering spectrum are discussed for a model nonequilibrium distribution, as often encountered during laser heating of materials, as well as for two-temperature systems.

Electrostatic fluctuations in collisional plasmas

We present a theory of electrostatic fluctuations in two-component plasmas where electrons and ions are described by Maxwellian distribution functions at unequal temperatures. Based on the exact solution of the Landau kinetic equation, that includes electron-electron, electron-ion, and ion-ion collision integrals, the dynamic form factor, S(k[over ⃗],ω), is derived for weakly coupled plasmas. The collective plasma responses at ion-acoustic, Langmuir, and entropy mode resonances are described for arbitrary wave numbers and frequencies in the entire range of plasma collisionality. The collisionless limit of S(k[over ⃗],ω) and the strong-collision result based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and classical transport at T_{e}=T_{i} are recovered and discussed. Results of several Thomson scattering experiments in the broad range of plasma parameters are described and discussed by means of our theory for S(k[over ⃗],ω).

Permutation-blocking path-integral Monte Carlo approach to the static density response of the warm dense electron gas

The static density response of the uniform electron gas is of fundamental importance for numerous applications. Here we employ the recently developed ab initio permutation blocking path integral Monte Carlo (PB-PIMC) technique [T. Dornheim et al., New J. Phys. 17, 073017 (2015)10.1088/1367-2630/17/7/073017] to carry out extensive simulations of the harmonically perturbed electron gas at warm dense matter conditions. In particular, we investigate in detail the validity of linear response theory and demonstrate that PB-PIMC allows us to obtain highly accurate results for the static density response function and, thus, the static local field correction. A comparison with dielectric approximations to our new ab initio data reveals the need for an exact treatment of correlations. Finally, we consider a superposition of multiple perturbations and discuss the implications for the calculation of the static response function.

Dynamic properties of the energy loss of multi-MeV charged particles traveling in two-component warm dense plasmas

The energy loss of multi-MeV charged particles moving in two-component warm dense plasmas (WDPs) is studied theoretically beyond the random-phase approximation. The short-range correlations between particles are taken into account via dynamic local field corrections (DLFC) in a Mermin dielectric function for two-component plasmas. The mean ionization states are obtained by employing the detailed configuration accounting model. The Yukawa-type effective potential is used to derive the DLFC. Numerically, the DLFC are obtained via self-consistent iterative operations. We find that the DLFC are significant around the maximum of the stopping power. Furthermore, by using the two-component extended Mermin dielectric function model including the DLFC, the energy loss of a proton with an initial energy of ∼15 MeV passing through a WDP of beryllium with an electronic density around the solid value n_{e}≈3×10^{23}cm^{-3} and with temperature around ∼40 eV is estimated numerically. The numerical result is reasonably consistent with the experimental observations [A. B. Zylsta et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 215002 (2013)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.111.215002]. Our results show that the partial ionization and the dynamic properties should be of importance for the stopping of charged particles moving in the WDP.

Average-atom treatment of relaxation time in x-ray Thomson scattering from warm dense matter

The influence of finite relaxation times on Thomson scattering from warm dense plasmas is examined within the framework of the average-atom approximation. Presently most calculations use the collision-free Lindhard dielectric function to evaluate the free-electron contribution to the Thomson cross section. In this work, we use the Mermin dielectric function, which includes relaxation time explicitly. The relaxation time is evaluated by treating the average atom as an impurity in a uniform electron gas and depends critically on the transport cross section. The calculated relaxation rates agree well with values inferred from the Ziman formula for the static conductivity and also with rates inferred from a fit to the frequency-dependent conductivity. Transport cross sections determined by the phase-shift analysis in the average-atom potential are compared with those evaluated in the commonly used Born approximation. The Born approximation converges to the exact cross sections at high energies; however, differences that occur at low energies lead to corresponding differences in relaxation rates. The relative importance of including relaxation time when modeling x-ray Thomson scattering spectra is examined by comparing calculations of the free-electron dynamic structure function for Thomson scattering using Lindhard and Mermin dielectric functions. Applications are given to warm dense Be plasmas, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 32 eV and densities ranging from 2 to 64 g/cc.

Free-electron X-ray laser measurements of collisional-damped plasmons in isochorically heated warm dense matter

We present the first highly resolved measurements of the plasmon spectrum in an ultrafast heated solid. Multi-keV x-ray photons from the Linac Coherent Light Source have been focused to one micrometer diameter focal spots producing solid density aluminum plasmas with a known electron density of n_{e}=1.8×10^{23}  cm^{-3}. Detailed balance is observed through the intensity ratio of up- and down-shifted plasmons in x-ray forward scattering spectra measuring the electron temperature. The plasmon damping is treated by electron-ion collision models beyond the Born approximation to determine the electrical conductivity of warm dense aluminum.

Ab initio calculation of the ion feature in x-ray Thomson scattering

The spectrum of x-ray Thomson scattering is proportional to the dynamic structure factor. An important contribution is the ion feature which describes elastic scattering of x rays off electrons. We apply an ab initio method for the calculation of the form factor of bound electrons, the slope of the screening cloud of free electrons, and the ion-ion structure factor in warm dense beryllium. With the presented method we can calculate the ion feature from first principles. These results will facilitate a better understanding of x-ray scattering in warm dense matter and an accurate measurement of ion temperatures which would allow determining nonequilibrium conditions, e.g., along shock propagation.

Ab initio approach to model x-ray diffraction in warm dense matter

It is demonstrated how the static electron-electron structure factor in warm dense matter can be obtained from density functional theory in combination with quantum Monte Carlo data. In contrast to theories assuming well-separated bound and free states, this ab initio approach yields also valid results for systems close to the Mott transition (pressure ionization), where bound states are strongly modified and merge with the continuum. The approach is applied to x-ray Thomson scattering and compared to predictions of the Chihara formula whereby we use the ion-ion and electron-ion structure from the same simulations. The results show significant deviations of the screening cloud from the often applied Debye-like form.

Dielectric function of dense plasmas, their stopping power, and sum rules

Mathematical, particularly, asymptotic properties of the random-phase approximation, Mermin approximation, and extended Mermin-type approximation of the coupled plasma dielectric function are analyzed within the method of moments. These models are generalized for two-component plasmas. Some drawbacks and advantages of the above models are pointed out. The two-component plasma stopping power is shown to be enhanced with respect to that of the electron fluid.

Current-voltage characteristics and increase in the quantum efficiency of three-terminal gate and avalanche-based silicon LEDs

In this paper, the emission of visible light by a monolithically integrated silicon p-n junction under reverse-bias is discussed. The modulation of light intensity is achieved using an insulated-gate terminal on the surface of the p-n junction. By varying the gate voltage, the breakdown voltage of the p-n junction will be adjustable so that the reverse current I(sub) flowing through the p-n junction at a fixed reverse-bias voltage is changed. It is observed that the light, which is emitted from the defects located at the p-n junction, depends closely on the reverse current I(sub). In regard to the phenomenon of electroluminescence, the relationship between the optical emission power and the reverse current I(sub) is linear. On the other hand, it is observed that both the quantum efficiency and the power conversion efficiency are able to have obvious enhancement, although the reverse-bias of the p-n junction is reduced and the corresponding reverse-current is much lower. Moreover, the successful fabrication on monolithic silicon light source on the bulk silicon by means of standard silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process technology is presented.

Reduced coupled-mode approach to electron-ion energy relaxation

We present a reduced model for the energy transfer via coupled collective modes in two-temperature plasmas based on quantum statistical theory. The model is compared with exact numerical evaluations of the coupled-mode (CM) energy transfer rate and with alternative reduced approaches over a range of conditions in the warm dense matter (WDM) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) regimes. Our approach shows excellent agreement with an exact treatment of the CM rate and supports the importance of the coupled-mode effect for the temperature and energy relaxation in WDM and ICF plasmas. We find that electronic damping of collective ion density fluctuations is crucial for correctly describing the mode spectrum and, thus, the energy exchange. The reduced CM approach is studied over a wide parameter space, enabling us to establish its limits of applicability.

Comparison between x-ray scattering and velocity-interferometry measurements from shocked liquid deuterium

The equation of state of light elements is essential to understand the structure of Jovian planets and inertial confinement fusion research. The Omega laser was used to drive a planar shock wave in the cryogenically cooled deuterium, creating warm dense matter conditions. X-ray scattering was used to determine the spectrum near the boundary of the collective and noncollective scattering regimes using a narrow band x-ray source in backscattering geometry. Our scattering spectra are thus sensitive to the individual electron motion as well as the collective plasma behavior and provide a measurement of the electron density, temperature, and ionization state. Our data are consistent with velocity-interferometry measurements previously taken on the same shocked deuterium conditions and presented by K. Falk et al. [High Energy Density Phys. 8, 76 (2012)]. This work presents a comparison of the two diagnostic systems and offers a detailed discussion of challenges encountered.

Dynamic ion structure factor of warm dense matter

The dynamics of the ion structure in warm dense matter is determined by molecular dynamics simulations using an effective ion-ion potential. This potential is obtained from ab initio simulations and has a strong short-range repulsion added to a screened Coulomb potential. Models based on static or dynamic local field corrections are found to be insufficient to describe the data. An extended Mermin approach, a hydrodynamic model, and the method of moments with local constraints are capable of reproducing the numerical results but have rather limited predictive powers as they all need some numerical data as input. The method of moments is found to be the most promising.

Features of the dielectric permittivity of the Coulomb system and the true dielectric state

Based on the linear response theory and the diagram technique of the perturbation theory, the correlation between the homogeneous and isotropic Coulomb system permittivity features caused by the nonzero static conductivity and the effects of external electrostatic field screening is determined. The results obtained can be used to study the metal-dielectric transition at zero temperature beyond the scope of the adiabatic approximation for nuclei. It is shown that at the critical point the matter consisting of electrons and nuclei of the same type is in the "true" dielectric state characterized by the zero static conductivity and the absence of screening of the weak electrostatic field.

Analysis of Thomson scattering from nonequilibrium plasmas

We develop the theory for light scattering as a diagnostic method for plasmas in nonequilibrium states. We show how well-known nonequilibrium features, like beam acoustic modes, arise in the spectra. The analysis of an experiment with strongly driven electrons demonstrates the abilities of the new approach; we find qualitatively different scattering spectra for different times and excellent agreement with the experimental data after time integration. Finally, an analysis of data from dense beryllium suggests that an energetic electron component exists in this experiment as well.

Thomson scattering on inhomogeneous targets

The introduction of brilliant free-electron lasers enables new pump-probe experiments to characterize warm dense matter states. For instance, a short-pulse optical laser irradiates a liquid hydrogen jet that is subsequently probed with brilliant soft x-ray radiation. The strongly inhomogeneous plasma prepared by the optical laser is characterized with particle-in-cell simulations. The interaction of the soft x-ray probe radiation for different time delays between pump and probe with the inhomogeneous plasma is also taken into account via radiative hydrodynamic simulations. We calculate the respective scattering spectrum based on the Born-Mermin approximation for the dynamic structure factor considering the full density and temperature-dependent Thomson scattering cross section throughout the target. We can identify plasmon modes that are generated in different target regions and monitor their temporal evolution. Therefore, such pump-probe experiments are promising tools not only to measure the important plasma parameters density and temperature but also to gain valuable information about their time-dependent profile through the target. The method described here can be applied to various pump-probe scenarios by combining optical lasers and soft x ray, as well as x-ray sources.

Plasmons in strongly coupled shock-compressed matter

We present the first measurements of the plasmon dispersion and damping in laser shock-compressed solid matter. Petawatt laser produced K-α radiation scatters on boron targets compressed by a 10 ns-long 400 J laser pulse. In the vicinity of the Fermi momentum, the scattering spectra show dispersionless, collisionally damped plasmons, indicating a strongly coupled electron liquid. These observations agree with calculations that include the Born-Mermin approximation to account for electron-ion collisional damping and local field corrections reflecting electron-electron correlations.

Screening of ionic cores in partially ionized plasmas within linear response

We employ a pseudopotential approach to investigate the screening of ionic cores in partially ionized plasmas. Here, the effect of the tightly bound electrons is condensed into an effective potential between the (free) valence electrons and the ionic cores. Even for weak electron-ion coupling, the corresponding screening clouds show strong modifications from the Debye result for elements heavier than helium. Modifications of the theoretically predicted x-ray scattering signal and implications on measurements are discussed.