Simulating Atomic Energies Under Various Densities to Measure Effects on Opacity.

Bergeron et al. presented a critical review of the determination of fundamental parameters of white dwarfs (WD), discovered during the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA) mission. What was discovered was a contradiction that arose in the lowest mass and temperature WD. The low mass and temperature WD are relatively denser WD, with more transparent atmospheres. Thus, the spectra used in calculations of WD ages yield values that are greater than the universe. Theorists hypothesize this contradiction results from non-ideal density effects in WD. The Sandia iron opacity experiments performed by Bailey et al similarly showed that, at higher densities, opacity models disagree with measured spectra. By developing a model to simulate these density conditions based on the exact solutions of the compressed hydrogen atom, presented by Ferreyra and Proetto, we can establish more accurate understanding of emission in such plasmas with the eventual goal of gaining insight into these effects in dense plasmas.