Pressure-Driven Ionization Explored in Experiments and Laser Demonstrations

Scientists have conducted laboratory experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that provide new insights on the complex process of pressure-driven ionization in giant planets and stars. The international research team utilized the world's largest and most energetic laser, the National Ignition Facility (NIF), to generate the extreme conditions necessary for pressure-driven ionization. By recreating extreme conditions similar to those inside giant planets and stars, the team was able to observe changes in material properties and electron structure that are not captured by current models. The research also has significant implications for inertial confinement fusion experiments at NIF, where X-ray absorption and compressibility are key parameters for optimizing high-performance fusion experiments.