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Temperature equilibration due to charge state fluctuations in dense plasmas

Abstract:
The charge states of ions in dense plasmas fluctuate due to collisional ionization and recombination. Here, we show how, by modifying the ion interaction potential, these fluctuations can mediate energy exchange between the plasma electrons and ions. Moreover, we develop a theory for this novel electron-ion energy transfer mechanism. Calculations using a random walk approach for the fluctuations suggest that the energy exchange rate from charge state fluctuations could be comparable to direct electron-ion collisions. This mechanism is, however, predicted to exhibit a complex dependence on the temperature and ionization state of the plasma, which could contribute to our understanding of significant variation in experimental measurements of equilibration times.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1103/physrevlett.127.035002

Authors


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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-0331-8164
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Institution:
University of Oxford
Department:
PHYSICS
Sub department:
Atomic & Laser Physics
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-6808-6355
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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-2443-4201


Publisher:
American Physical Society
Journal:
Physical Review Letters More from this journal
Volume:
127
Issue:
3
Article number:
35002
Publication date:
2021-07-14
Acceptance date:
2021-06-07
DOI:
EISSN:
1079-7114
ISSN:
0031-9007


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1186292
Local pid:
pubs:1186292
Deposit date:
2021-07-14

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