Research report 2003 - Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics

Complex Plasmas as Model Systems for Kinetic Investigations

Authors
Ivlev, A.V.; Khrapak, S.A.; Fink, M.A.; Morfill, G.E.
Departments

Theorie und Komplexe Plasmen (Prof. Dr., Dr. h.c. Gregor Morfill)
MPI für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching

Summary
Progress in the kinetics of complex (dusty) plasmas is highlighted: The phase diagram of complex plasmas is presented, where the classification of different states is based on the momentum transfer rate in mutual (grain-grain) collisions. The role of the momentum transfer to the background medium (neutral gas) is analyzed, and the conditions when complex plasmas can be considered as one-phase fluids are derived. Also, the kinetics of grains with variable charges is studied, and complex plasmas are shown to be natural model systems to study non-Hamiltonian ensembles. Finally, the significance of complex plasmas for interdisciplinary studies is discussed.

For the full text, see the German version.

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