University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Physics under extreme conditions: Magnetized atoms and hot dense plasmas

Jones, Matthew Dean

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/22413

Description

Title
Physics under extreme conditions: Magnetized atoms and hot dense plasmas
Author(s)
Jones, Matthew Dean
Issue Date
1996
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ceperley, David M.
Department of Study
Physics
Discipline
Physics
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Physics, Electricity and Magnetism
  • Physics, Condensed Matter
Language
eng
Abstract
We discuss the physics of systems under extreme conditions, encompassing isolated atoms in very strong magnetic fields and the behavior of the electron gas near its crystallization point. For the atoms we consider a range of theoretical approaches, from mean field theory (Hartree-Fock) to an exact method using stochastic random walks (correlation function quantum Monte Carlo). We present the first calculations for magnetized lithium and carbon for field strengths ${\le}10\sp{11}$G, and construct a very accurate spectrum for magnetized helium. For the electron gas, or one component plasma (OCP), we carefully construct the phase boundary between liquid and solid at finite temperature, using a method which has no uncontrolled approximations (path integral Monte Carlo). For the first time we are able to fully treat the quantum nature of both the solid and fluid phases of the OCP.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/22413
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1996 Jones, Matthew Dean

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