Dynamics of Electronic "Bubble" Formation in Solid Hydrogen: A Classical Model Calculation based on Fluid Dynamics

A model based on fluid dynamics is proposed, which describes the dynamics of a photoinduced spherical deformation in solid hydrogen. The dynamics is driven by femtosecond excitation of the lowest A(3ss) Rydberg state of NO trapped in an H2 crystal, leading to electronic "bubble" formation. The model is based on a continuum approxn. and considers the medium as incompressible. Energy dissipation due to friction is also taken into account. The model provides quant. agreement with exptl. data, suggesting that solid H2 can be described as a liq. on ultrashort time scales. [on SciFinder (R)]