Atoms in Dense Plasmas

Abstract

When plasma densities are high enough that inter-particle separations are comparable to atomic dimensions, there are important “environmental” consequences for atomic structure and atomic processes. Such conditions are found not only within stars and giant planets but, nowadays, also in the laboratory - especially in experiments related to the quest for inertial confinement fusion. After introducing important plasma concepts, we examine these consequences in regard to several issues: modification of atomic bound states, ionization balance, equation of state, and radiative and collisional processes that regulate transport coefficients and the spectral emission of non-equilibrium plasmas. Finally, we describe modern simulation methods that are being used to tackle various many-body problems in this subject. For nearly every issue we raise there is a need for betterunderstanding and for more, and more precise, data.