arXiv subjects

H. Kählert

Publications and source records attributed to H. Kählert.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum effects in plasmas

The year 2025 had been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. 125 years ago Max Planck's discovery of radiation quanta started the quantum era and 100 years ago quantum mechanics was discovered by Schroedinger, Heisenberg, Bohr, Pauli, Dirac, Born, Fermi and many others. By now, quantum mechanics is the theoretical foundation of most fields of physics and chemistry, and it is the basis for modern nanotechnology. How about plasma physics? How important are quantum effects in plasmas? In what experiments quantum effects are observed and where do they govern the behavior of plasmas? How can these effects be treated theoretically and via computer simulations? Starting with a brief historical overview we discuss the broad parameter range that is characteristic for plasmas and outline where quantum effects are relevant. This is the case primarily for warm dense matter and inertial fusion plasmas. We provide an overview on the theoretical quantum methods that are available for these dense plasmas and how their respective advantages can be combined in order to achieve predictive capability. The key is a downfolding approach that is based on first principles simulations.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Ab initio simulation of warm dense matter

Warm dense matter (WDM) -- an exotic state of highly compressed matter -- has attracted high interest in recent years in astrophysics and for dense laboratory systems. At the same time, this state is extremely difficult to treat theoretically. This is due to the simultaneous appearance of quantum degeneracy, Coulomb correlations and thermal effects, as well as the overlap of plasma and condensed phases. Recent breakthroughs are due to the successful application of density functional theory (DFT) methods which, however, often lack the necessary accuracy and predictive capability for WDM applications. The situation has changed with the availability of the first \textit{ab initio} data for the exchange-correlation free energy of the warm dense uniform electron gas (UEG) that were obtained by quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations, for recent reviews, see Dornheim \textit{et al.}, Phys. Plasmas \textbf{24}, 056303 (2017) and Phys. Rep. \textbf{744}, 1-86 (2018). In the present article we review recent further progress in QMC simulations of the warm dense UEG: namely, \textit{ab initio} results for the static local field correction $G(q)$ and for the dynamic structure factor $S(q,ω)$. These data are of key relevance for the comparison with x-ray scattering experiments at free electron laser facilities and for the improvement of theoretical models. In the second part of this paper we discuss simulations of WDM out of equilibrium. The theoretical approaches include Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, quantum kinetic theory, time-dependent DFT and hydrodynamics. Here we analyze strengths and limitations of these methods and argue that progress in WDM simulations will require a suitable combination of all methods. A particular role might be played by quantum hydrodynamics, and we concentrate on problems, recent progress, and possible improvements of this method.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2019

Dynamical structure factor of strongly coupled ions in a dense quantum plasma

The dynamical structure factor (DSF) of strongly coupled ions in dense plasmas with partially and strongly degenerate electrons is investigated. The main focus is on the impact of electronic correlations (non-ideality) on the ionic DSF. The latter is computed by carrying out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a screened ion-ion interaction potential. The electronic screening is taken into account by invoking the Singwi-Tosi-Land-Sjölander approximation, and compared to the MD simulation data obtained considering the electronic screening in the random phase approximation and using the Yukawa potential. %This allows us to gain insight into the impact of the electronic non-ideality on the ionic DSF. We find that electronic correlations lead to lower values of the ion-acoustic mode frequencies and to an extension of the applicability limit with respect to the wave-number of a hydrodynamic description. Moreover, we show that even in the limit of weak electronic coupling, electronic correlations have a non-negligible impact on the ionic longitudinal sound speed. Additionally, the applicability of the Yukawa potential with an adjustable screening parameter is discussed, which will be of interest, e.g., for the interpretation of experimental results for the ionic DSF of dense plasmas.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2012

Magnetized strongly coupled plasmas and how to realize them in a dusty plasma setup

Strongly coupled plasmas in which the interaction energy exceeds the kinetic energy play an important role in many astrophysical and laboratory systems including compact stars, laser plasmas and dusty plasmas. They exhibit many unusual collective properties, such as liquid or crystalline behaviour, peculiar oscillation spectra and transport properties. Recently, strongly coupled plasmas were studied in the presence of a strong magnetic field by computer simulations, and strong modifications of their transport properties and oscillation spectra were observed. While strong magnetization is common in stellar systems it is practically impossible to achieve in complex plasmas due to the large mass of the dust particles. Here we discuss a recently demonstrated approach to achieve very strong "magnetization" by a rotation of the neutral gas, and we present new results for macroscopic two-dimensional systems.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2012

Magnetizing a complex plasma without a magnetic field

We propose and demonstrate a concept that mimics the magnetization of the heavy dust particles in a complex plasma while leaving the properties of the light species practically unaffected. It makes use of the frictional coupling between a complex plasma and the neutral gas, which allows to transfer angular momentum from a rotating gas column to a well-controlled rotation of the dust cloud. This induces a Coriolis force that acts exactly as the Lorentz force in a magnetic field. Experimental normal mode measurements for a small dust cluster with four particles show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions for a magnetized plasma.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2011

Higher Harmonics Generation in Strongly Coupled Magnetized Two-Dimensional Yukawa Liquids

The excitation spectra of two-dimensional strongly coupled (liquid-like) Yukawa systems under the influence of a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane are found to sustain additional high-frequency modes at multiples of the magnetoplasmon. These modes are reminiscent of the well-known Bernstein modes but show a number of important differences due to the strong coupling of the particles.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2010

Collective excitations of a spherically confined Yukawa plasma

The results of a recent fluid theory for the multipole modes of a Yukawa plasma in a spherical confinement [H. Kählert and M. Bonitz, Phys. Rev. E \textbf{82}, 036407 (2010)] are compared with molecular dynamics simulations and the exact $N$-particle eigenmodes in the crystalline phase. Simulations confirm the existence of high order modes found in cold fluid theory. We investigate the influence of screening, coupling and friction on the mode spectra in detail. Good agreement between theory and simulation is found for weak to moderate screening and low order modes. The relations between the breathing mode in the fluid theory, simulation and the crystal eigenmode are investigated in further detail.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2010

Fluid Modes of a Spherically Confined Yukawa Plasma

The normal modes of a three-dimensional Yukawa plasma in an isotropic, harmonic confinement are investigated by solving the linearized cold fluid equations. The eigenmodes are found analytically and expressed in terms of hypergeometric functions. It is found that the mode frequencies solely depend on the dimensionless plasma parameter $ξ=κR$, where $R$ is the plasma radius and $κ$ the inverse screening length. The eigenfrequencies increase monotonically with $ξ$ and saturate in the limit $ξ\to\infty$. Compared with the results in the Coulomb limit~[D. H. E. Dubin, Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{66}, 2076 (1991)], we find a new class of modes characterized by the number $n$ which determines the number of radial nodes in the perturbed potential. These modes originate from the degenerate bulk modes of the Coulomb system. Analytical formulas for the eigenfrequencies are derived for limiting cases.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2009

Shell Structure of Confined Charges at Strong Coupling

A theoretical description of shell structure for charged particles in a harmonic trap is explored at strong coupling conditions of $Γ$ = 50 and 100. The theory is based on an extension of the hypernetted chain approximation to confined systems plus a phenomenological representation of associated bridge functions. Predictions are compared to corresponding Monte Carlo simulations and quantitative agreement for the radial density profile is obtained.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2009

Theoretical Description of Coulomb Balls - Fluid Phase

A theoretical description for the radial density profile of a finite number of identical charged particles confined in a harmonic trap is developed for application over a wide range of Coulomb coupling (or, equivalently, temperatures) and particle numbers. A simple mean field approximation neglecting correlations yields a density profile which is monotonically decreasing with radius for all temperatures, in contrast to molecular dynamics simulations and experiments showing shell structure at lower temperatures. A more complete theoretical description including charge correlations is developed here by an extension of the hypernetted chain approximation, developed for bulk fluids, to the confined charges. The results reproduce all of the qualitative features observed in molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. These predictions are then tested quantitatively by comparison with new benchmark Monte Carlo simulations. Quantitative accuracy of the theory is obtained for the selected conditions by correcting the hypernetted chain approximation with a representation for the associated bridge functions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2008

Spectral properties of spherically confined dusty plasma crystals

A combined theoretical and experimental analysis of the normal modes of three-dimensional spherially confined Yukawa clusters is presented. Particular attention is paid to the breathing mode and the existence of multiple monopole oscillations in Yukawa systems. Finally, the influence of dissipation on the mode spectrum is investigated.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2008

Structural transitions of finite spherical Yukawa crystals

Small three-dimensional strongly coupled clusters of charged particles in a spherical confinement potential arrange themselves in nested concentric shells. If the particles are immersed into a background plasma the interaction is screened. The cluster shell configuration is known to be sensitive to the screening strength. With increased screening an increased population of the inner shell(s) is observed. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the ground state shell configurations and configuration changes in a wide range of screening parameters for clusters with particle numbers $N$ in the range of 11 to 60. We report three types of anomalous behaviors which are observed upon increase of screening, at fixed $N$ or for an increase of $N$ at fixed screening. The results are obtained by means of extensive first principle molecular dynamics simulations.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2008

Probability of metastable configurations in spherical three-dimensional Yukawa crystals

Recently the occurrence probabilities of ground- and metastable states of three-dimensional Yukawa clusters with 27 and 31 particles have been analyzed in dusty plasma experiments [Block et al., Physics of Plasmas 15, 040701 (2008)]. There it was found that, in many cases, the ground state appeared substantially less frequently than excited states. Here we analyze this question theoretically by means of molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations and an analytical method based on the canonical partition function. We confirm that metastable states can occur with a significantly higher probability than the ground state. The results strongly depend on the screening parameter of the Yukawa interaction and the damping coefficient used in the MD simulations. The analytical method allows one to gain insight into the mechanisms being responsible for the occurrence probabilities of metastable states in strongly correlated finite systems.

physics.plasm-ph↗