Quasi-isentropic compression of strongly nonideal plasmas: correlations, degeneracy and plasma phase transitions

A series of experiments with intense quasi-isentropic compression of the plasma D2 and He were carried out to get strongly coupled nonideal plasma. Two-stage spherical explosively driven devices were used in these experiments. Recordary high parameters of strongly coupled deuterium plasma were obtained in the experiments: pressures up to 18 TPa and density up to 14 g/cc. Helium plasma was compressed ~ 200 times up to density of 8 g/cc and pressures of P ~ 5 TPa. Remarkable features of helium and deuterium plasma behaviour at these extremely high pressures, temperatures and densities are discussed with the use of nonideal plasma models as well as of the results of computer simulation calculations using first principle approaches. The different theoretical models of plasma phase transitions are discussed in comparison with shock wave experiments. Exclusively important role of quantum degeneracy effects as well as of strong correlation effects is analysed on the basis of the experimental data obtained.