Energy loss of fast particles in confined atomic systems at very high temperatures.

Abstract

Using a self-consistent description of an inhomogeneous electron gas in thermal equilibrium, we formulate a simple model for the stopping power of confined atomic systems at high temperatures. The model is based on previous studies of the energy loss of particles in partially degenerate plasmas. We describe the thermal enhancement of the energy loss in pellet fusion targets, in accord with recent experiments, and we explain this behavior in terms of quantum-mechanical and thermal effects in partially degenerate systems.