Modeling partially ionized dense plasma using wavepacket molecular dynamics.

Plummer, Daniel; Svensson, Pontus; Jasniak, Wiktor; Hollebon, Patrick; Vinko, Sam M; Gregori, Gianluca · Phys Rev E · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We develop a wavepacket molecular dynamics framework for modeling the structural properties of partially ionized dense plasmas, based on a chemical model that explicitly includes bound state wave functions. Using hydrogen as a representative system, we compute self-consistent charge state distributions through free-energy minimization, following the approach of Plummer et al. [Phys. Rev. E 111, 015204 (2025)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.111.015204]. This enables a direct comparison of static equilibrium properties with path-integral Monte Carlo data, facilitating an evaluation of the model's underlying approximations and its ability to capture the complex interplay between ionization and structure in dense plasma environments.