What is the highest density of man made plasma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of the highest density of man-made plasma, exploring various contexts including nuclear fusion and quark-gluon plasma. Participants reference specific research papers and theoretical considerations related to plasma density measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant cites two papers from "PHYSICS OF PLASMAS" reporting densities near 1000 g/cm³, with number densities between 1E26 and 1E27 cm⁻³, questioning if this is the highest achieved.
  • Another participant raises the possibility that densities in hydrogen bombs might be higher, although they do not clarify if these should be included in the discussion.
  • A participant introduces the concept of quark-gluon plasma, suggesting that densities achieved there approach hadronic levels, estimating around tens of MeV/fm³, which translates to over 10¹⁶ kg/m³.
  • There is acknowledgment of the enormous densities associated with quark-gluon plasma, indicating a shared interest in this aspect of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in different types of plasma densities, but there is no consensus on what constitutes the highest density, as multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and contexts of plasma types.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the inclusion of various plasma types, such as those generated in hydrogen bombs, and the definitions of density in different contexts (e.g., quark-gluon plasma versus fusion plasmas).

JF131
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What is the highest density of man made plasma?
 
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JF131 said:
What is the highest density of man made plasma?

In this paper, PHYSICS OF PLASMAS 20, 070501 (2013), "Progress towards ignition on the National Ignition Facility", and this paper, PHYSICS OF PLASMAS 20, 056318 (2013), "Detailed implosion modeling of deuterium-tritium layered experiments on the National Ignition Facility", they report densities near 1000 g/cm^3. These are number densities between 1E26 and 1E27 cm^-3. I'm not sure if it is the highest achieved, but it might be. Densities in hydrogen bombs might be higher, do they count?
 
Does quark-gluon plasma count? Densities there approach hadronic. I believe, something like tens of MeV/fm³ has been achieved, and that's over 1016kg/m³.
 
K^2 said:
Does quark-gluon plasma count? Densities there approach hadronic. I believe, something like tens of MeV/fm³ has been achieved, and that's over 1016kg/m³.

Hey, good point. Those densities are enormous!
 
Very interesting information, thanks!
 

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