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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
07:17
Non-equilibrium Microwave Plasma for Efficient High Temperature Chemistry
Published on: August 1, 2017
Iron-plasma transmission measurements at temperatures above 150 eV
J E Bailey1, G A Rochau, C A Iglesias
1Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|February 1, 2008
Summary
This study measured iron-plasma transmission at higher temperatures than before, enabling new tests of solar interior radiation transport. Experimental data closely matched detailed opacity models.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Astrophysics
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- Understanding radiation transport in stellar interiors requires accurate opacity data.
- Previous experiments lacked the high temperatures needed to fully test theoretical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally measure iron-plasma transmission at conditions relevant to stellar interiors.
- To validate detailed line-by-line opacity models using new experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Transmission measurements of iron plasma were conducted.
- Electron temperature was 156+/-6 eV and electron density was 6.9+/-1.7 x 10(21) cm(-3).
- Photon energy ranged from 800-1800 eV.
Main Results:
- Iron-plasma transmission was measured at unprecedented electron temperatures.
- The data allowed the first direct experimental tests of critical absorption features.
- Detailed line-by-line opacity models showed excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Conclusions:
- The experimental results support the accuracy of current opacity models for astrophysical applications.
- This work provides crucial data for refining models of stellar interiors and radiation transport.
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