Hydrodynamic theory for strongly coupled quantum plasmas

Objective

Strongly coupled quantum plasmas are charged particle systems where ions interact strongly and electrons show quantum behavior. Such plasmas are ubiquitous in nature, occurring in giant planets and dwarf stars, but are also of key importance to technology, most importantly, highly compressed matter and inertial confinement fusion. Current direct particle-based calculations are limited by computational resources, motivating the development of approximate yet accurate descriptions. The fellow has recently developed a variational approach that replaces the particle description of ions with hydrodynamic equations. With classically treated electrons, this method successfully captured strong ion coupling. The project’s goal is to extend the framework to quantum electrons, essential for realistic applications. Electrons will be modeled using density functional theory in two levels of complexity: ground state and finite temperature. The method will be validated by computing the dispersion of collective excitations and comparing the results with those from numerical simulations, including new ones performed within this project, and experiments. Building on this, the project will also address shock wave formation and evolution in warm dense matter conditions, important for inertial confinement fusion and defining the states probed by scattering diagnostics at European large-scale facilities. The project will be supervised by a world-leading expert in strongly coupled quantum systems and mentored by an experienced theoretical plasma physicist, ensuring scientific training and professional development that will support the fellow’s path toward independence. Moreover, the approach offers a general way of formulating hydrodynamics when particle-based methods are not feasible, relevant across multiple fields. The results are expected to have broad scientific and technological impact, and strengthen Europe’s role in high-energy-density physics.