Monte Carlo simulations of dense quantum plasmas

Abstract

Thermodynamic properties of the equilibrium strongly coupled quantum plasmas investigated by direct path integral Monte Carlo (DPIMC) simulations within a wide region of density, temperature and positive to negative particle mass ratio. Pair distribution functions (PDF), equation of state (EOS), internal energy and Hugoniot are compared with available theoretical and experimental results. Possibilities of the phase transition in hydrogen and electron-hole plasma from neutral particle system to metallic-like state and crystal-like structures, including antiferromagnetic hole structure in semiconductors at low temperatures, are discussed. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.