Quasi-classical theory and simulations of hydrogen-like quantum plasmas

First the range of validity of a quasi-classical approach is analyzed and analytical formulae for the thermodynamical potentials are derived. Then a simple quasi-classical model for the quantum molecular dynamics of hydrogen-like plasmas is developed. The model is based on a quasi-classical wave packet representation and leads to effective momentum-dependent Hamiltonians. The quantum-mechanical effects corresponding to the Pauli and the Heisenberg principle are modeled by constraints in the Hamiltonian. Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics calculations are carried out for electron-, election-positron-, and for hydrogen plasmas considering ensembles of 64 - 250 particles. A comparison with the analytical formulae shows reasonable agreement.