Ionization equilibrium and equation of state in strongly coupled plasmas

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Abstract
Calculation of the physical properties of reacting plasmas depends on knowing the state of ionization and/or the state occupation numbers. Simple methods have often been used to estimate ionization balance in plasmas, but they are not adequate for understanding a variety of new experimental and observational measurements. Theoretical methods to determine the ionization state of partially ionized plasmas must confront the effects of density on bound states and strong ion coupling. These methods can be separated into two categories. Chemical picture methods consider the system to be composed of distinct chemical species. Consequently, it is necessary to assert the effect of the plasma environment on internal states of these species. On the other hand, physical picture methods view the plasma in terms of its fundamental constituents; i.e., electrons and nuclei, so that plasma effects on bound states are a basic component of the theory. A discussion of some work representative of both of these philosophies will be given. Some comparisons between theories and with recent helioseismic observations and shock experiments will also be given.