title: Quantum-relativistic hydrodynamic model for a spin-polarized electron gas interacting with light.
abstract: We develop a semirelativistic quantum fluid theory based on the expansion of the Dirac Hamiltonian to second order in 1/c. By making use of the Madelung representation of the wave function, we derive a set of hydrodynamic equations that comprises a continuity equation, an Euler equation for the mean velocity, and an evolution equation for the electron spin density. This hydrodynamic model is then applied to study the dynamics of a dense and weakly relativistic electron plasma. In particular, we investigate the impact of the quantum-relativistic spin effects on the Faraday rotation in a one-dimensional plasma slab irradiated by an x-ray laser source.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg and Labex NIE, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7504 BP 43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Morandi
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg and Labex NIE, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7504 BP 43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zamanian
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg and Labex NIE, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7504 BP 43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manfredi
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg and Labex NIE, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7504 BP 43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
authors.forename: Paul-Antoine
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hervieux
mesh_terms: D004583:Electrons; D005740:Gases; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011789:Quantum Theory; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D005740:Gases