Inverse bremsstrahlung of hot, weakly coupled plasmas

Abstract

The free–free absorption coefficient for radiation in hot, weakly coupled plasmas is determined from a systematic approach to the dynamical conductivity. Based on a generalized linear-response theory, it is expressed in terms of determinants of equilibrium correlation functions permitting a perturbative treatment. Within a Gould–DeWitt-type approach, dynamical screening is accounted for by a partial summation of loop diagrams, while strong collisions are treated by a ladder approximation. Known expressions for the absorption coefficient are reproduced when considering certain limits. A comparison is made with simulation results.