Plasma conductivity from warm dense matter to the Spitzer limit using mean-force kinetic theory

A theoretical model is developed to compute electronic transport coefficients extending from warm and dense to hot and dilute plasma conditions. This kinetic theory-based approach models strong Coulomb correlations by treating interactions using the potential of mean force, electron degeneracy using the Uehling-Uhlenbeck equation, and diffraction by computing cross sections quantum mechanically. The result provides a fast and accurate means to compute electrical conductivity,thermal conductivity and electrothermal coefficients, including contributions from electron-electron interactions. The model enables accurate calculation of materials properties in many warm dense matter systems, including inertial confinement fusion, stellar evolution, and high energy density plasma experiments.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical Review Letters
Published
2026-10-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/177n-4yfm
Primary Topic
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Plasma conductivity from warm dense matter to the Spitzer limit using mean-force kinetic theory

Lucas J. Babati, Nathaniel R. Shaffer, Louis Jose, Scott Baalrud
Physical Review Letters
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
article

Plasma conductivity from warm dense matter to the Spitzer limit using mean-force kinetic theory

Lucas J. Babati, Nathaniel R. Shaffer, Louis Jose, Scott Baalrud
article en

Abstract

A theoretical model is developed to compute electronic transport coefficients extending from warm and dense to hot and dilute plasma conditions. This kinetic theory-based approach models strong Coulomb correlations by treating interactions using the potential of mean force, electron degeneracy using the Uehling-Uhlenbeck equation, and diffraction by computing cross sections quantum mechanically. The result provides a fast and accurate means to compute electrical conductivity,thermal conductivity and electrothermal coefficients, including contributions from electron-electron interactions. The model enables accurate calculation of materials properties in many warm dense matter systems, including inertial confinement fusion, stellar evolution, and high energy density plasma experiments.

Physical Review Letters
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
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