Energy Flow in Dense Off-Equilibrium Plasma
Abstract
We created wann, dense plasmas with sonoluminescence, laser breakdown, and sparks - very different systems that all produce plasmas with a similar thermodynamic state. Probing sonoluminescence with visible-wavelength lasers yielded measurements of ionization potential lowering and collision times in dense plasmas, allowing us to distinguish between competing dense-plasma models. Hydrodynamic analysis of shockwaves generated by sparks yielded similar measurements in a different, more accessible system. Ultra-fast observations of laser breakdown have revealed a new phase of off-equilibrium plasma that has a tensile strength similar to a liquid, and reduced ion-electron collision cross-sections. By working at micron length scales, and nanosecond time scales, we are able to use table-top experiments to elucidate the properties of these exotic plasmas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1012268
Entities
People
- Alex Bataller
- Alexandra Latshaw
- John P Koulakis
- Seth Pree
- Seth Putterman
Organizations
- University of California