Showing papers on "Dusty plasma published in 2015"

Nonlinear wave solutions of the three-dimensional Zakharov–Kuznetsov–Burgers equation in dusty plasma

Abstract: The propagation of dust–ion-acoustic waves with high-energy electrons and positrons in three-dimensional is considered. The Zakharov–Kuznetsov–Burgers (ZKB) equations for the dust–ion-acoustic waves in dusty plasmas is obtained. The conservations laws and integrals of motion for the ZKB equation are deduced. In the present study, by applying the modified direct algebraic method, we found the electric field potential, electric field and quantum statistical pressure in form water wave solutions for three-dimensional ZKB equation. The solutions for the ZKB equation are obtained precisely and efficiency of the method can be demonstrated. The stability of the obtained solutions and the movement role of the waves by making the graphs of the exact solutions are discussed and analyzed.

Solitonic, periodic, quasiperiodic and chaotic structures of dust ion acoustic waves in nonextensive dusty plasmas

Abstract: The solitonic, periodic, quasiperiodic and chaotic structures of dust ion acoustic waves in an unmagnetized dusty plasma with q-nonextensive electrons are studied using the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems through direct approach. Using Galilean transformation, model equations are transformed to a planar dynamical system. We obtain all possible phase portraits of the planar dynamical system and corresponding solitary and periodic wave solutions depending on parameters q and μ. Considering an external periodic perturbation, the quasiperiodic and chaotic behaviors of dust ion acoustic waves are presented. The effect of q, the nonextensive parameter is found to have significant effect on quasiperiodic and chaotic motions of dust ion acoustic waves. To show these we study the behavior of dust ion acoustic waves for several values of q, keeping the other plasma parameters like μ and v fixed. It is seen that the unperturbed dynamical system has the solitary and periodic wave solutions, but the perturbed dynamical system has quasiperiodic and chaotic motions for same values of parameters q,μ and v.

Observations of imposed ordered structures in a dusty plasma at high magnetic field

Abstract: Dusty plasmas have been studied in argon, rf glow discharge plasmas at magnetic fields up to 2 T, where the electrons and ions are strongly magnetized. In this experiment, plasmas are generated between two parallel plate electrodes where the lower, powered electrode is solid and the upper, electrically floating electrode supports a semi-transparent, titanium mesh. We report on the formation of an ordered dusty plasma, where the dust particles form a spatial structure that is aligned to the mesh. We discuss possible mechanisms that may lead to the formation of the “dust grid” and point out potential implications and applications of these observations.

Langmuir probe measurements of electron energy probability functions in dusty plasmas

Abstract: Langmuir probe measurements in dusty plasmas is a challenge because particle and film deposition on the probe leads to contamination and distortion of the current–voltage characteristics. This problem is particularly acute while determining the electron energy probability function (EEPF) from the second derivative of the Langmuir probe current–voltage characteristics. Here, we present reliable EEPF measurements in a capacitively coupled argon–silane dusty plasma using a fast-scanning and shielded Langmuir probe. A solenoid-actuated shield covered the probe and the probe was exposed to the plasma only for short periods of time (less than 6 s) when the current–voltage characteristics were recorded during rapid voltage scans. This approach minimized probe surface contamination. In presence of dust (silicon nanoparticles) the electron density decreased and the electron temperature increased in comparison to a pristine argon plasma. While the population of lower energy electrons decreased in presence of dust, the high energy tail region overlapped throughout the experiment. Langmuir probe measurements were complemented with ion density measurements using a capacitive probe and ex situ examination of particles using electron microscopy.

Linear and nonlinear analysis of dust acoustic waves in dissipative space dusty plasmas with trapped ions

Abstract: The propagation of linear and nonlinear dust acoustic waves in a homogeneous unmagnetized, collisionless and dissipative dusty plasma consisted of extremely massive, micron-sized, negative dust grains has been investigated. The Boltzmann distribution is suggested for electrons whereas vortex-like distribution for ions. In the linear analysis, the dispersion relation is obtained, and the dependence of damping rate of the waves on the carrier wave number \(k\), the dust kinematic viscosity coefficient \(\eta _{d}\) and the ratio of the ions to the electrons temperatures \(\sigma _{i}\) is discussed. In the nonlinear analysis, the modified Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers (mKdV–Burgers) equation is derived via the reductive perturbation method. Bifurcation analysis is discussed for non-dissipative system in the absence of Burgers term. In the case of dissipative system, the tangent hyperbolic method is used to solve mKdV–Burgers equation, and yield the shock wave solution. The obtained results may be helpful in better understanding of waves propagation in the astrophysical plasmas as well as in inertial confinement fusion laboratory plasmas.

Dusty plasma sheath-like structure in the region of lunar terminator

Abstract: The main properties of the dusty plasma layer near the surface over the illuminated and dark parts of the Moon are described. They are used to realize dusty plasma behaviour and to determine electric fields over the terminator region. Possibility of the existence of a dusty plasma sheath-like structure in the region of lunar terminator is shown. The electric fields excited in the terminator region are demonstrated to be on the order of 300 V/m. These electric fields can result in rise of dust particles of the size of 2–3 μm up to an altitude of about 30 cm over the lunar surface that explains the effect of “horizon glow” observed at the terminator by Surveyor lunar lander.

Exploring the wake of a dust particle by a continuously approaching test grain

Abstract: The structure of the ion wake behind a dust particle in the plasma sheath of an rf discharge is studied in a two-particle system. The wake formation leads to attractive forces between the negatively charged dust and can cause a reduction of the charge of a particle. By evaluating the dynamic response of the particle system to small external perturbations, these quantities can be measured. Plasma inherent etching processes are used to achieve a continuous mass loss and hence an increasing levitation height of the lower particle, so that the structure of the wake of the upper particle, which is nearly unaffected by etching, can be probed. The results show a significant modification of the wake structure in the plasma sheath to one long potential tail.

The magnetized dusty plasma experiment (MDPX)

Abstract: The magnetized dusty plasma experiment (MDPX) is a newly commissioned plasma device that started operations in late spring, 2014. The research activities of this device are focused on the study of the physics, highly magnetized plasmas, and magnetized dusty plasmas. The design of the MDPX device is centered on two main components: an open bore, superconducting magnet that is designed to produce, in a steady state, both uniform magnetic fields up to 4 Tesla and non-uniform magnetic fields with gradients of 1–2 T m−1 and a flexible, removable, octagonal vacuum chamber that provides substantial probe and optical access to the plasma. This paper will provide a review of the design criteria for the MDPX device, a description of the research objectives, and brief discussion of the research opportunities offered by this multi-institution, multi-user project.

Propagation Properties of Terahertz Waves in a Time-Varying Dusty Plasma Slab Using FDTD

Abstract: The complex dielectric permittivity of a dusty plasma, which contains an inhomogeneous electron density, charging response factor, and dust charging frequency caused by dust particles, is given to simulate the time-varying dusty plasma sheath. The recurrence field and current equations for terahertz (THz) wave propagation in the plasma are deduced and discretized using the auxiliary differential equation finite-difference time-domain (ADE-FDTD) method. The reflection, transmission, and absorption coefficients of a time-varying dusty plasma slab are calculated by using the ADE-FDTD method. The numerical results indicate that the reflection coefficients of the slab are easily affected by the rise time of the electron density. Besides, the absorption coefficients increase with the decrease in the rise time and working frequency as well as with the increase in the densities of electrons and dust particles. It is shown that THz waves may have potential applications in radio communications with a spacecraft at its re-entry into the atmosphere.

Grain-grain interaction in stationary dusty plasma

Abstract: We present a particle-in-cell simulation study of the steady-state interaction between two stationary dust grains in uniform stationary plasma. Both the electrostatic force and the shadowing force on the grains are calculated explicitly. The electrostatic force is always repulsive. For two grains of the same size, the electrostatic force is very nearly equal to the shielded electric field due to a single isolated grain, acting on the charge of the other grain. For two grains of unequal size, the electrostatic force on the smaller grain is smaller than the isolated-grain field, and the force on the larger grain is larger than the isolated-grain field. In all cases, the attractive shadowing force exceeds the repulsive electrostatic force when the grain separation d is greater than an equilibrium separation d0. d0 is found to be between 6λD and 9λD in all cases. The binding energy is estimated to be between 19 eV and 900 eV for various cases.

Dusty Plasma Experimental (DPEx) device for complex plasma experiments with flow

Abstract: A versatile table-top dusty plasma experimental device to study flow induced excitations of linear and nonlinear waves/structures in a complex plasma is presented. In this Π-shaped apparatus, a DC glow discharge plasma is produced between a disc shaped anode and a grounded long cathode tray by applying a high voltage DC in the background of a neutral gas (argon) and subsequently a dusty plasma is created by introducing micron sized dust particles that get charged and levitated in the sheath region. A flow of the dust particles is induced in a controlled manner by adjusting the pumping speed and the gas flow rate into the device. A full characterisation of the plasma, using Langmuir and emissive probe data, and that of the dusty plasma using particle tracking data with the help of an idl based (super) Particle Identification and Tracking (sPIT) code is reported. Experimental results on the variation of the dust flow velocity as a function of the neutral pressure and the gas flow rate are given. The neutral drag force acting on the particles and the Epstein coefficient are estimated from the initial acceleration of the particles. The potential experimental capabilities of the device for conducting fundamental studies of flow induced instabilities are discussed.

Solitonic, Periodic and Quasiperiodic Behaviors of Dust Ion Acoustic Waves in Superthermal Plasmas

Abstract: The solitonic, periodic, and quasiperiodic behaviors of dust ion acoustic waves in superthermal plasmas with q-nonextensive electrons are studied using the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems through direct approach. Using a Galilean transformation, model equations are transformed to a Hamiltonian system involving electrostatic potential. The existence of solitary and periodic waves is shown for the unperturbed Hamiltonian system. Analytical forms of these waves are presented depending on physical parameters q and μ. The effects of q and μ are studied on characteristics of nonlinear dust ion acoustic solitary and periodic waves. It is observed that parameters q and μ significantly influence the characteristics of nonlinear dust ion acoustic solitary and periodic structures. Considering an external periodic perturbation, the quasiperiodic behavior of the perturbed Hamiltonian system for dust ion acoustic waves is studied. It is seen that the unperturbed Hamiltonian system has the solitary and periodic wave solutions whereas the perturbed Hamiltonian system has quasiperiodic motion for same values of parameters q,μ and v.

Quasi-discrete particle motion in an externally imposed, ordered structure in a dusty plasma at high magnetic field

Abstract: Dusty plasmas have been studied in argon, radio frequency (rf) glow discharge plasmas at magnetic fields up to 2.5 T where the electrons and ions are strongly magnetized. Plasmas are generated between two parallel plate electrodes where the lower, powered electrode is solid and the upper electrode supports a dual mesh consisting of #24 brass and #30 aluminum wire cloth. In this experiment, we study the formation of imposed ordered structures and particle dynamics as a function of magnetic field. Through observations of trapped particles and the quasi-discrete (i.e., “hopping”) motion of particles between the trapping locations, it is possible to make a preliminary estimate of the potential structure that confines the particles to a grid structure in the plasma. This information is used to gain insight into the formation of the imposed grid pattern of the dust particles in the plasma.

Spatio-temporal evolution of the dust particle size distribution in dusty argon rf plasmas

Abstract: An imaging Mie scattering technique has been developed to measure the spatially resolved size distribution of dust particles in extended dust clouds. For large dust clouds of micrometre-sized plastic particles confined in an radio frequency (rf) discharge, a segmentation of the dust cloud into populations of different sizes is observed, even though the size differences are very small. The dust size dispersion inside a population is much smaller than the difference between the populations. Furthermore, the dust size is found to be constantly decreasing over time while the particles are confined in an inert argon plasma. The processes responsible for the shrinking of the dust in the plasma have been addressed by mass spectrometry, ex situ microscopy of the dust size, dust resonance measurements, in situ determination of the dust surface temperature and Fourier transform infrared absorption (FT-IR). It is concluded that both a reduction of dust size and its mass density due to outgassing of water and other volatile constituents as well as chemical etching by oxygen impurities are responsible for the observations.

Fast and interrupted expansion in cyclic void growth in dusty plasma

Abstract: Low-pressure acetylene plasmas are able to spontaneously form dust particles. This will result in a dense cloud of solid particles that is levitated in the plasma. The formed particles can grow up to micrometers. We observed a spontaneous interruption in the expansion of the so-called dust void. A dust void is a macroscopic region in the plasma that is free of nanoparticles. The phenomenon is periodical and reproducible. We refer to the expansion interruption as 'hiccup'. The expanding void is an environment in which a new cycle of dust particle formation can start. At a certain moment in time, this cycle reaches the (sudden) coagulation phase and as a result the void will temporarily shrink. To substantiate this reasoning, the electron density is determined non-intrusively using microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, video imaging of laser light scattering of the dust particles provides their spatial distribution. The emission intensity of a single argon transition is measured similarly. Our results support the aforementioned hypothesis for what happens during the void hiccup. The void dynamics preceding the hiccup are modeled using a simple analytical model for the two dominant forces (ion drag and electric) working on a nanoparticle in a plasma. The model results qualitatively reproduce the measurements.

Viscosity calculations at molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract: Viscosity and diffusion are chosen as an example to demonstrate the universality of diagnostics methods in the molecular dynamics method. To emphasize the universality, three diverse systems are investigated, which differ from each other drastically: liquids with embedded atom method and pairwise interatomic interaction potentials and dusty plasma with a unique multiparametric interparticle interaction potential. Both the Einstein-Helfand and Green-Kubo relations are used. Such a particular process as glass transition is analysed at the simulation of the aluminium melt. The effect of the dust particle charge fluctuation is considered. The results are compared with the experimental data.

Dust-acoustic waves modulational instability and rogue waves in a polarized dusty plasma

Abstract: The polarization force-induced changes in the dust-acoustic waves (DAWs) modulational instability (MI) are examined. Using the reductive perturbation method, the nonlinear Schrodinger equation that governs the MI of the DAWs is obtained. It is found that the effect of the polarization term R is to narrow the wave number domain for the onset of instability. The amplitude of the wave envelope decreases as R increases, meaning that the polarization force effects render weaker the associated DA rogue waves. The latter may therefore completely damp in the vicinity of R ∼ 1, i.e., as the polarization force becomes close to the electrostatic one (the net force acting on the dust particles becomes vanishingly small). The DA rogue wave profile is very sensitive to any change in the restoring force acting on the dust particles. It turns out that the polarization effects may completely smear out the DA rogue waves.

Synergetics of dusty plasma and technological aspects of the application of cryogenic dusty plasma

Abstract: The main achievements of the investigations into cryogenic dusty plasma and the review of the state of the studies carried out in this region are presented. The peculiarities of the cryogenic plasma of gas discharges that affect the processes of self-organization of dusty plasma structures are discussed. The investigation of cryogenic dusty plasma is shown to be promising for uses in fundamental or applied physics, including application to nanotechnologies.

Solitary waves in a self-gravitating opposite polarity dust-plasma medium

Abstract: A more general and realistic dusty plasma model, namely, self-gravitating opposite polarity dust-plasma system (containing inertial positive and negative dust, and inertialess ions and electrons following Maxwellian distribution) is considered. The possibility for the formation of solitary electrostatic and self-gravitational potential structures in such a dust-plasma system is thoroughly examined. The standard reductive perturbation method, which is valid for small but finite amplitude solitary structures, is employed. The parametric regimes for the existence of solitary electrostatic and self-gravitational potential structures, and their basic properties (viz., polarity, amplitude, width, and speed) are found to be significantly modified by the combined effects of positively charged dust component and self-gravitational field. The applications of the present investigation in different space dusty plasma environments and laboratory dusty plasma devices are briefly discussed.

Dust-void formation in a dc glow discharge.

Abstract: Experimental investigations of dusty plasma parameters of a dc glow discharge were performed in a vertically oriented discharge tube. Under certain conditions, dust-free regions (voids) were formed in the center of the dust particle clouds that levitated in the strong electric field of a stratified positive column. A model for radial distribution of dusty plasma parameters of a dc glow discharge in inert gases was developed. The behavior of void formation was investigated for different discharge conditions (type of gas, discharge pressure, and discharge current) and dust particle parameters (particle radii and particle total number). It was shown that it is the ion drag force radial component that leads to the formation of voids. Both experimental and calculated results show that the higher the discharge current the wider dust-free region (void). The calculations also show that more pronounced voids are formed for dust particles with larger radii and under lower gas pressures.

Dust kinetic Alfvén solitary and rogue waves in a superthermal dusty plasma

Abstract: Dust kinetic Alfven solitary waves (DKASWs) have been examined in a low-β dusty plasma comprising of negatively charged dust grains, superthermal electrons, and ions. A nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation has been derived using the reductive perturbation method. The combined effects of superthermality of charged particles (via κ), plasma β, obliqueness of propagation (θ), and dust concentration (via f) on the shape and size of the DKASWs have been examined. Only negative potential (rarefactive) structures are observed. Further, characteristics of dust kinetic Alfven rogue waves (DKARWs), by deriving the non-linear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) from the KdV equation, are studied. Rational solutions of NLSE show that rogue wave envelopes are supported by this plasma model. It is observed that the influence of various plasma parameters (superthermality, plasma β, obliqueness, and dust concentration) on the characteristics of the DKARWs is very significant. This fundamental study may be helpful in understanding the formation of coherent nonlinear structures in space and astrophysical plasma environments where superthermal particles are present.

Overtaking Collision and Phase Shifts of Dust Acoustic Multi-Solitons in a Four Component Dusty Plasma with Nonthermal Electrons

Abstract: Abstract The nonlinear propagation and interaction of dust acoustic multi-solitons in a four component dusty plasma consisting of negatively and positively charged cold dust fluids, non-thermal electrons, and ions were investigated. By employing reductive perturbation technique (RPT), we obtained Korteweged–de Vries (KdV) equation for our system. With the help of Hirota’s bilinear method, we derived two-soliton and three-soliton solutions of the KdV equation. Phase shifts of two solitons and three solitons after collision are discussed. It was observed that the parameters α, β, β1, μe, μi, and σ play a significant role in the formation of two-soliton and three-soliton solutions. The effect of the parameter β1 on the profiles of two soliton and three soliton is shown in detail.

Electrostatic Shock Structures in Nonextensive Plasma with Two Distinct Temperature Electrons

Abstract: The nonlinear dynamics of the dust-acoustic shock waves in a dusty plasma containing negatively charged mobile dust, nonextensive electrons with two distinct temperatures, and Maxwellian ions have been investigated by deriving the Burgers equation. The normal mode analysis is used to examine the linear properties of dust-acoustic (DA) waves. It has been observed that the properties of the DA shock waves (SHWs) are significantly modified by nonextensivity of the electrons, electron temperature ratios, and the respective number densities of two species of electrons. A critical value of nonextensivity is found for which shock structures transit from positive to negative potential. The shock waves with positive and negative potential are obtained depending on the plasma parameters. The entailments of our results may be useful to understand the structures and the characteristics of DASHWs both in laboratory and astrophysical plasma systems.

Dust ion acoustic solitary structures in presence of isothermal positrons

Abstract: The Sagdeev potential technique has been employed to study the dust ion acoustic solitary waves and double layers in an unmagnetized collisionless dusty plasma consisting of negatively charged static dust grains, adiabatic warm ions, and isothermally distributed electrons and positrons. A computational scheme has been developed to draw the qualitatively different compositional parameter spaces or solution spaces showing the nature of existence of different solitary structures with respect to any parameter of the present plasma system. The qualitatively distinct solution spaces give the overall scenario regarding the existence of different solitary structures. The present system supports both positive and negative potential double layers. The negative potential double layer always restricts the occurrence of negative potential solitary waves, i.e., any sequence of negative potential solitary waves having monotonically increasing amplitude converges to a negative potential double layer. However, there exists a parameter regime for which the positive potential double layer is unable to restrict the occurrence of positive potential solitary waves. As a result, in this region of the parameter space, there exist solitary waves after the formation of positive potential double layer, i.e., positive potential supersolitons have been observed. But the amplitudes of these supersolitons are bounded. A general theory for the existence of bounded supersolitons has been discussed analytically by imposing the restrictions on the Mach number. For any small value of positron concentration, there is no effect of very hot positrons on the dust ion acoustic solitary structures. The qualitatively different solution spaces are capable of producing new results for the formation of solitary structures.

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a weakly ionized dusty plasma

Abstract: Propagation properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves in weakly ionized dusty plasmas are the subject of this study. Dielectric relation for EM waves propagating at a weakly ionized dusty plasma is derived based on the Boltzmann distribution law while considering the collision and charging effects of dust grains. The propagation properties of EM energy in dusty plasma of rocket exhaust are numerically calculated and studied, utilizing the parameters of rocket exhaust plasma. Results indicate that increase of dust radius and density enhance the reflection and absorption coefficient. High dust radius and density make the wave hardly transmit through the dusty plasmas. Interaction enhancements between wave and dusty plasmas are developed through effective collision frequency improvements. Numerical results coincide with observed results by indicating that GHz band wave communication is effected by dusty plasma as the presence of dust grains significantly affect propagation of EM waves in the dusty plasmas. The results are helpful to analyze the effect of dust in plasmas and also provide a theoretical basis for the experiments.

Dust-acoustic shock waves in an electron depleted nonextensive dusty plasma

Abstract: A theoretical study of dust-acoustic (DA) shock waves has been carried out in an unmagnetized electron depleted dusty plasma containing inertial negatively charged dust grains and nonextensive positively charged ions. The normal mode analysis is used to examine the linear properties of DA waves. The reductive perturbation technique is employed in order to derive the nonlinear Burgers equation. The basic features (viz. polarity, amplitude, width, etc.) of the DA shock waves are investigated. Both polarity (positive and negative potential) shock waves are found to exists in the plasma under consideration in this manuscript. The findings of this investigation may be used in understanding the wave propagation in laboratory and space plasmas.