Starting from the Pauli Hamiltonian operator, we derive a scalar quantum kinetic equations for spin-1/2 systems. Here the regular Wigner two-state matrix is replaced by a scalar distribution function in extended phase space. Apart from being a formulation of principal interest, such scalar quantum kinetic equation makes the comparison to classical kinetic theory straightforward, and lends itself naturally to currently available numerical Vlasov and Boltzmann schemes. Moreover, while the quasi-distribution is a Wigner function in regular phase space, it is given by a Qfunction in spin space. As such, nonlinear and dynamical quantum plasma problems are readily handled. Moreover, the issue of gauge invariance is treated. Applications (e.g. ultra-dense laser compressed targets and their diagnostics), possible extensions, and future improvements of the presented quantum statistical model are discussed.

A kinetic theory for spin plasmas is put forward, generalizing those of previous authors. In the model, the ordinary phase space is extended to include the spin degrees of freedom. Together with Maxwell's equations, the system is shown to be energy conserving. Analyzing the linear properties, it is found that new types of wave-particle resonances are possible that depend directly on the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron. As a result, new wave modes, not present in the absence of spin, appear. The implications of our results are discussed.

Emerging possibilities for creating and studying novel plasma regimes, e.g. relativistic plasmas and dense systems, in a controlled laboratory environment also require new modeling tools for such systems. This motivates theoretical studies of the kinetic theory governing the dynamics of plasmas for which both relativistic and quantum effects occur simultaneously. Here, we investigate relativistic corrections to the Pauli Hamiltonian in the context of a scalar kinetic theory for spin-1/2 quantum plasmas. In particular, we formulate a quantum kinetic theory for the collective motion of electrons that takes into account effects such as spin-orbit coupling and Zitterbewegung. We discuss the implications and possible applications of our findings. Contents

We derive a fluid theory for spin-1/2 particles starting from an extended kinetic model based on a spin-projected density matrix formalism. The evolution equation for the spin density is found to contain a pressure-like term. We give an example where this term is important by looking at a linear mode previously found in a spin kinetic model.Comment: 4 page

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in nonequilibrium collective quantum models, where particle dispersion and spin are examples of effects taken into account. Here, we derive a kinetic plasma model containing fermion exchange effects. Exchange interactions are of great importance in many systems and have no classical analogy. Our model therefore constitutes a possible probe of collective quantum phenomena in other regimes. As an example, we consider the influence of the exchange effect on low-frequency dynamics, in particular ionacoustic waves. Comparisons to related computational techniques are given and the differences are highlighted. Furthermore, we discuss the applicability of our model, its limitations, and possible extensions.