Diffusion coefficients in white dwarfs

TL;DR

This paper introduces new diffusion coefficient calculations for white dwarf models using advanced plasma theories and simulations, improving upon traditional methods and validated through comparison.

Contribution

It provides novel diffusion coefficients based on microscopic plasma theory and simulations, enhancing the accuracy of white dwarf diffusion models.

Findings

New diffusion coefficients for carbon in helium plasma

Validated against state-of-the-art methods

Potential to improve white dwarf evolution models

Abstract

Models of diffusion in white dwarfs universally rely on the coefficients calculated by Paquette et al. (1986). We present new calculations of diffusion coefficients based on an advanced microscopic theory of dense plasmas and a numerical simulation approach that intrinsically accounts for multiple collisions. Our method is validated against a state-of-the-art method and we present results for the diffusion of carbon ions in a helium plasma.