Quasi-classical Theory and Simulations of Hydrogen-like Quantum Plasmas

First the range of validity of a quasi-classical approach is analyzed and analytical formulae for the thermo-dynamical potentials are derived. Then a simple quasi-classical model for the quantum molecular dynamics of hydrogen-like plasmas is developed. The model is based on a quasi-classical wave packet representation and leads to effective momentum-dependent Hamiltonians. The quantum-mechanical effects corresponding to the Pauli and the Heisenberg principle are modeled by constraints in the Hamiltonian. Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics calculations are carried out for electron-, electron-positron-, and for hydrogen plasmas considering ensembles of 64 – 250 particles. A comparison with the analytical formulae shows reasonable agreement.