experimental evidence that defies conventional theories about how radiation is absorbed and emitted
You’ve probably heard about the different states of matter that are solid, liquid, and gas.
Plasmas are the most abundant form of matter in the universe
They exist throughout our solar system, and they're found in the sun and other planetary bodies
Scientists are still trying to comprehend the basics of this state of matter because dense plasma only forms under extreme pressure and temperatures
Understanding how atoms react under extreme pressure conditions, and gives scientists valuable insights into the fields of planetary science, astrophysics and fusion energy.
Experimental evidence is not used in current models of radiation transport in dense plasmas
Suxing Hu et all, better understand the evolution of stars and may aid in the realization of controlled nuclear fusion as an alternative energy source
Using a new experimental device
scientists from MIT and elsewhere have created extremely hot, dense matter, or extreme matter, which has never been seen before
This may help to explain how the core of an exploding star becomes a nuclear reactor, producing huge amounts of energy.
The researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to measure how radiation is moved through the air. X-ray spectroscopy involves aiming a beam of radiation in the form of X-rays at a plasma made of copper atoms
The X-rays were created with the help of the laser and the plasma was created with the help of the X-rays. The electrons in the atoms "jump" from one energy level to another by either emitting or absorbing light
Similar to taking an X-ray diagnostic of a broken bone, a detector measures these changes and reveals the physical processes that are occurring inside the plasma.