Ab Initio simulations of dense helium plasmas

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Apr 8;106(14):145002. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.145002. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

We study the thermophysical properties of dense helium plasmas by using quantum molecular dynamics and orbital-free molecular dynamics simulations, where densities are considered from 400 to 800 g/cm3 and temperatures up to 800 eV. Results are presented for the equation of state. From the Kubo-Greenwood formula, we derive the electrical conductivity and electronic thermal conductivity. In particular, with the increase in temperature, we discuss the change in the Lorenz number, which indicates a transition from strong coupling and degenerate state to moderate coupling and partial degeneracy regime for dense helium.