title: Development of Path Integral Monte Carlo Simulations with Localized Nodal Surfaces for Second-Row Elements.
abstract: We extend the applicability range of fermionic path integral Monte Carlo simulations to heavier elements and lower temperatures by introducing various localized nodal surfaces. Hartree-Fock nodes yield the most accurate prediction for pressure and internal energy, which we combine with the results from density functional molecular dynamics simulations to obtain a consistent equation of state for hot, dense silicon under plasma conditions and in the regime of warm dense matter (2.3-18.6  g cm(-3), 5.0×10(5)-1.3×10(8)  K). The shock Hugoniot curve is derived and the structure of the fluid is characterized with various pair correlation functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.|Department of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Militzer
authors.affiliation: Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Driver