Thermo-Hydrodynamics of a Strongly Coupled Plasma
Abstract
As more and more energy is injected into matter it reaches an ionized state. The ultimate state of these plasmas is called a strongly correlated plasma [SCP] which is characterized by an electrostatic potential energy that is greater than the thermal energy. This ratio is denoted by the plasma parameter gamma. Particle interactions and correlations for gamma greater than 1 have been notoriously difficult to approach theoretically and experimentally. Our experiments on sonoluminescence, laser breakdown and electric discharges in dense gases have reached gamma approx. 1 where we have already discovered unexpected thermodynamic- transport processes which lead to the rapid [less than100.ps] formation of a blackbody. These plasmas can be used to make an ultra-fast, unbreakable optical shutter capable of practically infinite power-handling. A device using this shutter has been published with an application being the low noise readout of trapped ion trap qubits. A description of strongly coupled plasmas at the level of the Navier- Stokes equations of fluid mechanics does not exist. This proposal describes both experimental and theoretical efforts working in unison to obtain such a theory. Experiments on early time spark and laser discharges in dense gases will reach the regime where gamma approx. 100. This time must be shorter than the time required for electrons to thermalize with the ions. During this time we will synchronize streak photos [resolution 10.ps] with full frame images [resolution 100.ps] to obtain the hydrodynamic motion and the equations of state. The hydrodynamics of an SCP will be developed along the lines of Lagrangian field theory with nonlocal equations of state and informed by our experiments.. A key goal is to determine the relative roles played by phonon transport, photon transport, and charge transport for dense strongly coupled plasmas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110295
Entities
People
- Seth Putterman
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Los Angeles