Two-tone ion-acoustic waves in degenerate quantum plasma

Ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) in a quantum electron-ion plasma with degenerate components are theoretically investigated using a system of quantum equations of gas dynamics that allow for the quantum-size character of the object (Bohm’s quantum force is included in the equation of motion) and the Pauli exclusion principle (equations of state for degenerate Fermi gases of electrons and ions are used). Linear analysis and numerical solution of equations yielded an identical qualitative result: periodic IAWs in a quantum electron-ion plasma are always a superposition of two waves with equal phase velocities but different wavelengths. The high-frequency component of the IAW is identified with free quantum oscillations of ions. A solution in the form of an ion-sound soliton with free quantum oscillations of ions superposed on its profile is also found.