Laser-shocked calcium difluoride (CaF2) as a warm dense matter

We determined the shock equation of state of CaF₂ at pressures of ∼0.4-1.5 TPa using high-power laser shock techniques. The shock velocity-particle velocity was approximated by the universal Hugoniot relationship known to metallic fluids. Our results do not support the incompressible behavior above ∼100 GPa claimed previously. Warm dense CaF₂ is a bonded liquid above the melting point and approaches an ideal fluid above ∼1 TPa. The measured reflectivity change of CaF₂ at the shock front, similar to the other semiconducting liquids in the warm dense region, suggests a gradual metallization process due to the presence of delocalized electrons at high shock-front temperatures.