On Friday, 14th of October at 11:00 am, we had our October GoLP VIP Seminar, by Fernando Haas (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul). The event took place at Anfiteatro Abreu Faro – Complexo I at IST.

Title: Foundations of Quantum Magnetohydrodynamics

Abstract: The suitable density and temperature ranges where quantum effects are relevant for plasmas are reviewed. Typically such quantum plasmas are characterized by large densities and low temperatures, with a significant overlap of the wave packets of the charge carriers. In this case, the wave nature of electrons, which generally have a much smaller mass than ions, becomes unavoidable deserving a quantum description. Examples arise in compact stars such as white dwarfs and neutron stars, in ultra-small electronic devices and in intense laser-solid density plasma interaction experiments. strong from quantum kinetic theory, we discuss the foundations and the need for quantum hydrodynamic models for the nonlinear treatment of quantum plasmas. In this context, the basic quantum magnetohydrodynamic model is derived. The role of spin-statistics and relativistic effects is discussed. A detailed comparison between the kinetic theory and hydrodynamic models of the exchange interaction is provided in the case of quantum ion-acoustic waves. The validity conditions of quantum hydrodynamics are analyzed. Finally, we consider some recent developments in the area.