Warm-dense-matter studies using pulse-powered wire discharges in water

Abstract

Dense plasmas are produced using exploding wire discharges in water. Evolutions of radius, electrical conductivity, temperature of plasma and a shock wave in water accompanied with the explosion, are measured. Conductivities of aluminum, copper, and tungsten are compared with theoretical ones. To evaluate the equation of state, trajectories of the shock wave and the plasma boundary are compared with numerical calculations. Results show that the hydrodynamic behaviors are sensitive to the models of equation of state. Controllability of warm dense state in density-temperature diagram is discussed from the voltage-current characteristics of the wire discharges.