M.A. Mendoza

Determination and analysis of plasma parameters for simulations of radiative blast waves launched in clusters of xenon and krypton

In this work several relevant parameters and properties for krypton and xenon plasmas are analyzed, such as, for example, the average ionization, the plasma thermodynamic regimes, the radiative power losses and the mean opacities. This analysis is performed in a range of density and temperature typically found in laboratory experiments to generate radiative blast waves in laser-heated clustered plasmas. A polynomial fit of those parameters is also presented. Finally an analysis of the thermal cooling instability is performed.

Modelling of spectral properties and population kinetics studies of inertial fusion and laboratory-astrophysical plasmas

Fundamental research and modelling in plasma atomic physics continue to be essential for providing basic understanding of many different topics relevant to high-energy-density plasmas. The Atomic Physics Group at the Institute of Nuclear Fusion has accumulated experience over the years in developing a collection of computational models and tools for determining the atomic energy structure, ionization balance and radiative properties of, mainly, inertial fusion and laser-produced plasmas in a variety of conditions. In this work, we discuss some of the latest advances and results of our research, with emphasis on inertial fusion and laboratory-astrophysical applications.