Atomic Physic (UPM + ULPG)

Plasma Atomic Physic Group

Fundamental research and modeling in plasma atomic physics are essential pieces for understanding of many different topics relevant to high-energy-density plasmas. The Atomic Physics Group at the Institute of Nuclear Fusion in Spain has accumulated experience over the years in developing a collection of theoretical and computational models and tools for determining the atomic structure, atomic kinetics, radiative properties and thermodynamic properties of a wide variety of plasma conditions.

One of our strong points relies on the versatility of population kinetics and radiative properties calculations which can be carried out for local and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium both mono and multi-component plasmas, steady state and time-dependent situations, optically thin and thick plasmas or under external planckian radiation fields.

At present, the main research areas are: :

  • Generation of radiative properties databases of high energy density plasmas, both in LTE and NLTE thermodynamic regimes, of special interest in the field of nuclear fusion and laboratory astrophysics for their implementation in radiative-hydrodynamics simulations. These databases contain magnitudes such as average ionization, monochromatic or multigroup opacities and emissivities, mean opacities and radiative power losses. The feasibility of coupling a collisional-radiative model in these hydrodynamic simulations is also an objective of our research.
  • Advancing in the research and microscopic characterization of shock waves with relevance in the field of inertial fusion and laboratory astrophysics that will allow us to get a better comprehension of these relevant phenomena. Particularly, modeling and simulation of the atomic kinetics and the radiative and thermodynamic properties, and characterization of the hydrodynamic instabilities due to thermal cooling in the post shock. Finally, development of methodologies for spectroscopic diagnosis of the electron density and temperature of these shock waves, both in the post-shock and in the radiative precursor.
  • Advancing and development of plasma spectroscopy techniques for characterization and better understanding of the underlying physics in ICF experiments oriented to demonstrate advanced ignition concepts. Particularly, a detailed atomic kinetic and spectroscopic model is being developed for a time-dependent analysis of core conditions in ICF spherical implosion experiments driven by adiabat-shaping laser pulses (including that typical of shock-ignition approach).