Strongly coupled plasmas: high-density classical plasmas and degenerate electron liquids

TLDR

Classical and degenerate, strongly coupled plasmas are studied using computer simulations, analytic theories, and variational methods, and their salient static and dynamic correlation features are reviewed. The study compares thermodynamic properties predicted by various approaches and investigates the possibility of Wigner crystallization and other instabilities. Screening effects are analyzed and applied to calculate the enhancement factor of the thermonuclear reaction rate and the electric resistivity in dense plasmas. Theoretical predictions of dynamic properties are compared with x‑ray and electron scattering data for metallic electrons.

Abstract

Classical and degenerate, strongly coupled plasmas are approached by computer simulations, analytic theories, and variational methods. Thermodynamic properties predicted in those various approaches are compared and examined; possibilities of Wigner crystallization and other instabilities are investigated. Salient features in the static and dynamic correlations are reviewed. Screening effects are analyzed and applied to calculations of the enhancement factor of the thermonuclear reaction rate and the electric resistivity in dense plasmas. Theoretical predictions on the dynamic properties are compared with the x ray and electron scattering data for the metallic electrons.