Phase Transition in Relativistically Degenerate Quantum Plasmas

Abstract: In this paper we present the generalized phase separation diagram for quantum plasmas revealing the fundamental mechanism called the spontaneous core collapse (SCC) for a white dwarf star core-density based on the extended Shukla-Eliasson force for relativistically degenerate matter taking into account the most important electron interaction features such as Fermi-Dirac statistical pressure, Coulomb, exchange-correlation and quantum tunneling effects. A critical core mass-density value is reported for white dwarf stars beyond which the SCC mechanism will be inevitable. It is revealed that the SCC critical core-density value is slightly affected by the ion charge state, $Z$ (the core composition). Such fundamental effect which is mainly caused by the electron quantum diffraction effect can progressively lead the white dwarf star with a mass beyond the Chandrasekhar limit through SCC, core fusion and the ultimate supernova stages.