Experiments Using Laser-driven Shockwaves for EOS and Transport Measurements

Abstract

Laser–driven shocks have broken new ground in providing data on strongly coupled systems. One example is the measurements of the Hugoniot of hydrogen isotopes to over 300 GPa and the clear signature of metallic behavior at pressures of 60 GPa. The resulting fluid is strongly coupled (Γ > 10) and probably composed of ions, atoms, and molecules – a very difficult system to understand. The lates interpretation of these measurements is discussed. In addition, recent shock measurements on the hydrogen–bonded compound water – both EOS and reflectivity – are shown. The metallic signature for water is very different than that of hydrogen.