The dynamic conductivity of strongly non-ideal plasmas: is the Drude model valid?

TL;DR

This paper investigates the validity of the Drude model for strongly non-ideal plasmas by calculating their dynamic conductivity using the method of moments across a range of electron densities and temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a new application of the method of moments to compute dynamic conductivity in strongly coupled plasmas, challenging the applicability of the Drude model.

Findings

Calculated conductivity varies significantly from Drude predictions at high densities.

The method provides more accurate results for strongly coupled plasmas.

Comparison shows deviations from classical models in certain regimes.

Abstract

The method of moments is used to calculate the dynamic conductivity of strongly coupled fully ionized hydrogen plasmas. The electron density $n_{e}$ and temperature $T$ vary in the domains $ 10^{21} < n_{e} < 10^{24} {\rm cm}^{-3}$, $10^{4} {\rm K} < T < 10^{6} {\rm K}$. The results are compared to some theoretical data.