Dense plasma opacity via the multiple-scattering method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multiple-scattering method based on density functional theory to calculate the optical properties of hot dense plasmas, validating it against experimental data for certain elements.

Contribution

It presents a novel electronic structure model using multiple scattering theory for dense plasma opacity calculations, bridging a gap in high energy density science.

Findings

Good agreement with experiments for Cr and Ni opacities

Self-consistent plasma physics explains discrepancies for Fe

Method advances the understanding of plasma optical properties

Abstract

The calculation of the optical properties of hot dense plasmas with a model that has self-consistent plasma physics is a grand challenge for high energy density science. Here we exploit a recently developed electronic structure model that uses multiple scattering theory to solve the Kohn-Sham density functional theory equations for dense plasmas. We calculate opacities in this regime, validate the method, and apply it to recent experimental measurements of opacity for Cr, Ni, and Fe. Good agreement is found in the quasicontinuum region for Cr and Ni, while the self-consistent plasma physics of the approach cannot explain the observed difference between models and the experiment for Fe.