Physics under extreme conditions: Magnetized atoms and hot dense plasmas

We discuss the physics of systems under extreme conditions, encompassing isolated atoms in very strong magnetic fields and the behavior of the electron gas near its crystallization point. For the atoms we consider a range of theoretical approaches, from mean field theory (Hartree-Fock) to an exact method using stochastic random walks (correlation function quantum Monte Carlo). We present the first calculations for magnetized lithium and carbon for field strengths :S 1011 G, and construct a very accurate spectrum for magnetized helium. For the electron gas, or one component plasma (OCP), we carefully construct the phase boundary between liquid and solid at finite temperature, using a method which has no uncontrolled approximations (path intgeral Monte Carlo). For the first time we are able to fully treat the quantum nature of both the solid and fluid phases of the OCP.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Jones, Matthew Dean

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ceperley, David M.

• physics under extreme conditions
• magnetized atoms
• hot dense plasmas

Statement dc:rights

• 1996 Matthew Dean Jones

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

4011039

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/18851