arXiv subjects

Gerd Röpke

Publications and source records attributed to Gerd Röpke.

54 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Transition Rates for a Rydberg Atom Surrounded by a Plasma

We derive a quantum master equation for an atom coupled to a heat bath represented by a charged particle many-body environment. In Born-Markov approximation, the influence of the plasma environment on the reduced system is described by the dynamical structure factor. Expressions for the profiles of spectral lines are obtained. Wave packets are introduced as robust states allowing for a quasi-classical description of Rydberg electrons. Transition rates for highly excited Rydberg levels are investigated. A circular-orbit wave packet approach has been applied, in order to describe the localization of electrons within Rydberg states. The calculated transition rates are in a good agreement with experimental data.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2015

Investigation of 10Be and its cluster dynamics from nonlocalized clustering concept

We extend the new concept of nonlocalized clustering to the nucleus 10Be with proton number Z=4 and neutron number N=6 (N=Z+2). The Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke (THSR) wave function is formulated for the description of different structures of 10Be. Physical properties such as energy spectrum and root-mean-square radii are calculated for the first two 0+ states and corresponding rotational bands. With only one single THSR wave function, the calculated results show good agreement with other models and experimental values. We apply, for the first time, the THSR wave function on the chain orbit (σ-orbit) structure in the 0^+_2 state of 10Be. The ring orbit (π-orbit) and σ-orbit structures are further illustrated by calculating the density distribution of the valence neutrons. We also investigate the dynamics of ff-clusters and the correlations of two valence neutrons in 10Be.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Constraining supernova equations of state with equilibrium constants from heavy-ion collisions

Cluster formation is a fundamental aspect of the equation of state (EOS) of warm and dense nuclear matter such as can be found in supernovae (SNe). Similar matter can be studied in heavy-ion collisions (HIC). We use the experimental data of Qin et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 172701 (2012)] to test calculations of cluster formation and the role of in-medium modifications of cluster properties in SN EOSs. For the comparison between theory and experiment we use chemical equilibrium constants as the main observables. This reduces some of the systematic uncertainties and allows deviations from ideal gas behavior to be identified clearly. In the analysis, we carefully account for the differences between matter in SNe and HICs. We find that, at the lowest densities, the experiment and all theoretical models are consistent with the ideal gas behavior. At higher densities ideal behavior is clearly ruled out and interaction effects have to be considered. The contributions of continuum correlations are of relevance in the virial expansion and remain a difficult problem to solve at higher densities. We conclude that at the densities and temperatures discussed mean-field interactions of nucleons, inclusion of all relevant light clusters, and a suppression mechanism of clusters at high densities have to be incorporated in the SN EOS.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2014

Investigation of ${}^9$Be from nonlocalized clustering concept

The nonlocalized aspect of clustering, which is a new concept for self-conjugate nuclei, is extended for the investigation of the N{\not=}Z nucleus ${}^9$Be. A modified version of the THSR (Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke) wave function is introduced based on the container picture. It is found that the constructed negative-parity THSR wave function is very suitable for describing the cluster states of ${}^9$Be. Namely the nonlocalized clustering is shown to prevail in ${}^9$Be. The calculated binding energy and radius of ${}^9$Be are consistent with calculations in other models and with experimental values. The squared overlaps between the THSR wave function and the Brink+GCM wave function for the $3/2^-$ rotational band of ${}^9$Be are found to be near 96%. Furthermore, by showing the density distribution of the ground state of ${}^9$Be, the π-orbit structure is naturally reproduced by using this THSR wave function.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2014

Inhomogeneous condensates in dilute nuclear matter and BCS-BEC crossovers

We report on recent progress in understanding pairing phenomena in low-density nuclear matter at small and moderate isospin asymmetry. A rich phase diagram has been found comprising various superfluid phases that include a homogeneous and phase-separated BEC phase of deuterons at low density and a homogeneous BCS phase, an inhomogeneous LOFF phase, and a phase-separated BCS phase at higher densities. The transition from the BEC phases to the BCS phases is characterized in terms of the evolution, from strong to weak coupling, of the condensate wavefunction and the second moment of its density distribution in $r$-space. We briefly discuss approaches to higher-order clustering in low-density nuclear matter.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2013

Nonlocalized cluster dynamics and nuclear molecular structure

A container picture is proposed for understanding cluster dynamics where the clusters make nonlocalized motion occupying the lowest orbit of the cluster mean-field potential characterized by the size parameter $``B"$ in the THSR (Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke) wave function. The nonlocalized cluster aspects of the inversion-doublet bands in $^{20}$Ne which have been considered as a typical manifestation of localized clustering are discussed. So far unexplained puzzling features of the THSR wave function, namely that after angular-momentum projection for two cluster systems the prolate THSR wave function is almost 100$\%$ equivalent to an oblate THSR wave function is clarified. It is shown that the true intrinsic two-cluster THSR configuration is nonetheless prolate. The proposal of the container picture is based on the fact that typical cluster systems, 2$α$, 3$α$, and $α$+$^{16}$O, are all well described by a single THSR wave function. It will be shown for the case of linear-chain states with two and three $α$-clusters as well as for the $α$+$^{16}$O system that localization is entirely of kinematical origin, that is, due to the inter-cluster Pauli repulsion. It is concluded that this feature is general for nuclear cluster states.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2012

Quartetting in Nuclear Matter

A general theory for the condensation of strongly bound quartets in infinite nuclear matter is presented. Critical temperatures for symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter are evaluated. A fully nonlinear theory for the quartet order parameter, based on an analogy of the Gorkov approach to pairing, is presented and solved. The strong qualitative difference with pairing is pointed out.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2012

Dielectric function beyond RPA: kinetic theory vs. linear response theory

Calculating the frequency dependent dielectric function for strongly coupled plasmas, the relations within kinetic theory and linear response theory are derived and discussed in comparison. In this context, we proof the Kohler variational principle for arbitrary frequencies. It can be shown to be a special case of the Zubarev method for the construction of a non-equilibrium statistical operator from the principle of the extremum of entropy. Within kinetic theory, the commonly used energy dependent relaxation time approach is strictly valid only for the Lorentz plasma in the static case. It is compared with the result from linear response theory that includes electron-electron interactions and applies for arbitrary frequencies, including bremsstrahlung emission. It is shown how a general approach to linear response encompasses the different approximations and opens options for systematic improvements.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2011

Light clusters in nuclear matter: Excluded volume versus quantum many-body approaches

The formation of clusters in nuclear matter is investigated, which occurs e.g. in low energy heavy ion collisions or core-collapse supernovae. In astrophysical applications, the excluded volume concept is commonly used for the description of light clusters. Here we compare a phenomenological excluded volume approach to two quantum many-body models, the quantum statistical model and the generalized relativistic mean field model. All three models contain bound states of nuclei with mass number A <= 4. It is explored to which extent the complex medium effects can be mimicked by the simpler excluded volume model, regarding the chemical composition and thermodynamic variables. Furthermore, the role of heavy nuclei and excited states is investigated by use of the excluded volume model. At temperatures of a few MeV the excluded volume model gives a poor description of the medium effects on the light clusters, but there the composition is actually dominated by heavy nuclei. At larger temperatures there is a rather good agreement, whereas some smaller differences and model dependencies remain.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2011

Spatially Resolved Dynamic Structure Factor of Finite Systems from MD Simulations

The dynamical response of metallic clusters up to $10^3$ atoms is investigated using the restricted molecular dynamics simulations scheme. Exemplarily, sodium like material is considered. Correlation functions are evaluated to investigate the spatial structure of collective electron excitations and optical response of laser excited clusters. In particular, the spectrum of bi-local correlation functions shows resonances representing different modes of collective excitations inside the nano plasma. The spatial structure, the resonance energy and width of the eigenmodes have been investigated for various values of electron density, temperature, cluster size and ionization degree. Comparison with bulk properties is performed and the dispersion relation of collective excitations is discussed.

physics.atm-clus↗

arXiv2010

Critical temperature for $α$-particle condensation in asymmetric nuclear matter

The critical temperature for $α$-particle condensation in nuclear matter with Fermi surface imbalance between protons and neutrons is determined. The in-medium four-body Schrödinger equation, generalizing the Thouless criterion of the BCS transition, is applied using a Hartree-Fock wave function for the quartet projected onto zero total momentum in matter with different chemical potentials for protons and neutrons.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2010

Cluster virial expansion for the equation of state of partially ionized hydrogen plasma

We study the contribution of electron-atom interaction to the equation of state for partially ionized hydrogen plasma using the cluster-virial expansion. For the first time, we use the Beth-Uhlenbeck approach to calculate the second virial coefficient for the electron-atom (bound cluster) pair from the corresponding scattering phase-shifts and binding energies. Experimental scattering cross-sections as well as phase-shifts calculated on the basis of different pseudopotential models are used as an input for the Beth-Uhlenbeck formula. By including Pauli blocking and screening in the phase-shift calculation, we generalize the cluster-virial expansion in order to cover also near solid density plasmas. We present results for the electron-atom contribution to the virial expansion and the corresponding equation of state, i.e. pressure, composition, and chemical potential as a function of density and temperature. These results are compared with semi-empirical approaches to the thermodynamics of partially ionized plasmas. Avoiding any ill-founded input quantities, the Beth-Uhlenbeck second virial coefficient for the electron-atom interaction represents a benchmark for other, semi-empirical approaches.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2010

Many Body Approach for Quartet Condensation in Strong Coupling

The theory for condensation of higher fermionic clusters is developed. Fully selfconsistent nonlinear equations for the quartet order parameter in strongly coupled fermionic systems are established and solved. The breakdown of the quasiparticle picture is pointed out. Derivation of numerically tractable approximation is described. The momentum projected factorisation ansatz of Ref. \cite{slr09} for the order parameter is employed again. As a definite example the condensation of $α$ particles in nuclear matter is worked out.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2009

The influence of local field corrections on Thomson scattering in non-ideal two-component plasmas

Thomson scattering in non-ideal (collision-dominated) two-component plasmas is calculated accounting for electron-ion collisions as well as electron-electron correlations. This is achieved by using a novel interpolation scheme for the electron-electron response function generalizing the traditional Mermin approach. Also, ions are treated as randomly distributed inert scattering centers. The collision frequency is taken as a dynamic and complex quantity and is calculated from a microscopic quantum-statistical approach. Implications due to different approximations for the electron-electron correlation, i.e. different forms of the OCP local field correction, are discussed.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2009

Internal One-Particle Density Matrix for Bose-Einstein Condensates with Finite Number of Particles in a Harmonic Potential

Investigations on the internal one-particle density matrix in the case of Bose-Einstein condensates with a finite number ($N$) of particles in a harmonic potential are performed. We solve the eigenvalue problem of the Pethick-Pitaevskii-type internal density matrix and find a fragmented condensate. On the contrary the condensate Jacobi-type internal density matrix gives complete condensation into a single state. The internal one-particle density matrix is, therefore, shown to be different in general for different choices of the internal coordinate system. We propose two physically motivated criteria for the choice of the adequate coordinate systems which give us a unique answer for the internal one-particle density matrix. One criterion is that in the infinite particle number limit ($N=\infty$) the internal one-particle density matrix should have the same eigenvalues and eigenfunctions as those of the corresponding ideal Bose-Einstein condensate in the laboratory frame. The other criterion is that the coordinate of the internal one-particle density matrix should be orthogonal to the remaining $(N - 2)$ internal coordinates. This second criterion is shown to imply the first criterion. It is shown that the internal Jacobi coordinate system satisfies these two criteria while the internal coordinate system adopted by Pethick and Pitaevskii for the construction of the internal one-particle density matrix does not. It is demonstrated that these two criteria uniquely determine the internal one-particle density matrix which is identical to that calculated with the Jacobi coordinates. The relevance of this work concerning $α$-particle condensates in nuclei, as well as bosonic atoms in traps, is pointed out.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2007

On the occurrence of Balmer spectra in expanding microplasmas from laser irradiated liquid hydrogen

Balmer spectra are investigated which are obtained from hydrogen droplets irradiated by ultra-short intense laser pulses. A unified quantum statistical description of bremsstrahlung, the Stark broadening and the van der Waals profile of hydrogen spectral lines is used, which allows to include many-particle effects. Analyzing the line profiles, a low ionization degree of a dense plasma is inferred, where the main contribution to the spectral line shape originates from the interaction with the neutral components. Effective temperatures and densities of the radiating microplasma are deduced. A dynamical description is given within plasma hydrodynamics, explaining the formation of excited atomic states in the expanding system and the occurrence of the observed Balmer lines only below a critical density.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2006

Optical properties and one-particle spectral function in non-ideal plasmas

A basic concept to calculate physical features of non-ideal plasmas, such as optical properties, is the spectral function which is linked to the self-energy. We calculate the spectral function for a non-relativistic hydrogen plasma in $GW$-approximation. In order to go beyond $GW$ approximation, we include self-energy and vertex correction to the polarization function in lowest order. Partial compensation is observed. The relation of our approach to $GW$ and $GWΓ$ calculations in other fields, such as the band-structure calculations in semiconductor physics, is discussed. From the spectral function we derive the absorption coefficient due to inverse bremsstrahlung via the polarization function. As a result, a significant reduction of the absorption as compared to the Bethe-Heitler formula for bremsstrahlung is obtained.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2002

Description of 8Be as Deformed Gas-like Two-Alpha-Paricle States

In order to study non-zero spin excitations of the recently proposed alpha-cluster condensation in the self-conjugate 4n nuclei, spatial deformation is introduced into the model wave function of the alpha-cluster condensate. The rotational band states of 8Be are investigated as a first step of a test case for the study of the deformation of the alpha-cluster condensate. Calculations reproduce well the binding energy of the 0+ ground state and also the excitation energy of the 2+ state. Our 0+ wave function is found to be almost exactly equal to the 0+ wave function obtained by the generator coordinate method using Brink's 2 alpha wave function. The study shows that both the 0+ ground and 2+ excited states can be considered as having a gas-like (i.e. weakly bound) 2 alpha-cluster structure. As for the 0+ ground state, the change of the wave function, due to the introduction of the deformation, is found to be very small.

nucl-th↗