Abstract / Description of output
By combining diamond-anvil-cell and laser-driven shock wave techniques, we produced dense He samples up to 1.5 g/cm3 at temperatures reaching 60 kK. Optical measurements of reflectivity and temperature show that electronic conduction in He at these conditions is temperature-activated (semiconducting). A fit to the data suggests that the mobility gap closes with increasing density, and that hot dense He becomes metallic above ∼1.9 g/cm3. These data provide a benchmark to test models that describe He ionization at conditions found in astrophysical objects, such as cold white dwarf atmospheres.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 184503 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 104 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 5 May 2010 |