Description
The year 2025 had been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of
Quantum Science and Technology. By now, quantum mechanics is the theoretical foundation of most fields of physics. Plasma physics, on the other hand, got away with classical physics methods for a long time. This has changed radically with the growing importance of dense plasmas, both in astrophysics and in the laboratory. The most important current application is inertial confinement fusion that is seeing a dramatic surge of activity in the U.S. and in Europe and where progress crucially depends on reliably taking into account quantum effects.
Starting with a brief historical overview the talk will discuss the broad parameter range that is characteristic for plasmas and where quantum effects are relevant. It will discuss the quantum methods that are available and which of them are of relevance for plasma physics, finishing with an outlook on future developments.
References
M. Bonitz et al., Towards first principles-based simulations of dense hydrogen, Phys. Plasmas 31, 110501 (2024).
M. Bonitz et al., Ab initio simulation of warm dense matter, Phys. Plasmas 27, 042710 (2020).
M. Bonitz, “Quantum Kinetic Theory” 2nd. ed. Springer 2016.
J. Vorberger et al., Roadmap for warm dense matter physics, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion (2026), arXiv: 2505.02494