Thermodynamic properties of nonideal plasmas with multiple ionization and Coulomb and hard-core interactions

Abstract
We present a theoretical approach to the thermodynamic properties of nonideal plasmas consisting of neutral atoms, multiply charged ions, and free electrons. Starting with the free energy, we describe the ionization equilibrium of this system by a coupled set of mass action laws (Saha equations). Our model of interaction takes into account Coulomb forces between all charged particles and hard-core forces between all heavy particles and the electrons. The influence of multiple ionization and different interaction parts on plasma composition, mean charge, and equation of state is discussed for xenon. Finally, we show the potential occurrence of the plasma phase transition.