Hydrodynamic cumulation mechanism caused by quantum shell effects

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Submicron gas bubbles composed of ions and electrons are crucial in various physical phenomena.
• Conventional compression mechanisms have limitations in achieving extreme conditions.
• Quantum effects in electron distribution can significantly alter plasma dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel compression mechanism for submicron gas bubbles.
• To analyze the impact of large-scale quantum effects on electron behavior during compression.
• To compare the efficiency of this new mechanism against classical adiabatic compression.

Main Methods:

• Computational and theoretical analysis using quantum electron fluid equations for electrons.
• Hydrodynamic approximation for the ionic subsystem.
• Modeling of large-scale quantum effects via an effective external field.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a nontrivial compression mechanism fundamentally different from conventional methods.
• Showcased the formation of multiple shock waves due to large-scale electric fields from quantum shell effects.
• Achieved gas temperatures and pressures two orders of magnitude higher than classical adiabatic regimes.

Conclusions:

• Quantum effects in electron distribution qualitatively change cumulative processes in gas bubbles.
• The identified mechanism offers a pathway to achieving significantly higher temperatures and pressures.
• Experimental observation is feasible through laser compression of submicron targets, detectable via neutron yield.