Outstanding Questions in Electron-Ion Energy Relaxation, Lattice Stability, and Dielectric Function of Warm Dense Matter

Our earlier experiments in shocked silicon and gold heated with femtosecond-laser have revealed some unexpected findings including a reduced electron-ion coupling constant, superheating, and enhancement of interband transitions. The original experiments and their interpretations are reviewed together with discussions of new perspectives to identify key questions that need to be addressed in understanding electron-ion energy relaxation, lattice stability, and dielectric function under nonequilibrium, warm dense matter conditions. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 112: 150-160, 2012