Laser heating of finite two-dimensional dust clusters: B. Simulations

Abstract

Laser heating of monolayer dusty plasmas is investigated theoretically by Langevin dynamics simulations. The laser radiation pressure is used to externally control the dust temperature without changing the plasma properties. We show that the laser scanning pattern has a major influence on both the velocity distribution function and the stationary structure of the cluster. Furthermore, the heating effect is found to be enhanced when the laser spots move with slightly higher frequencies than the trap frequency. The simulations confirm that a proper thermodynamic excitation of the dust particles is possible.

Phase Transitions of Finite Dust Clusters in Dusty Plasmas

“…We have recently achieved a true thermodynamic laser-heating for two-dimensional dust clusters [23,48]. Laserheating of 2D systems has previously been successfully applied, see e.g.…”

“…Laserheating of 2D systems has previously been successfully applied, see e.g. Further, the process of randomly sweeping the laser beam over the dust cloud is specifically chosen to guarantee proper thermodynamic excitation [23,48]. However, as for the above mentioned 3D case, those experiments showed anisotropic heating or non-equilibrium particle dynamics.…”

“…However, as for the above mentioned 3D case, those experiments showed anisotropic heating or non-equilibrium particle dynamics. [48]). Further, the process of randomly sweeping the laser beam over the dust cloud is specifically chosen to guarantee proper thermodynamic excitation [23,48].…”

“…Further, the process of randomly sweeping the laser beam over the dust cloud is specifically chosen to guarantee proper thermodynamic excitation [23,48]. These effects lead to anisotropic and incomplete Maxwellian heating [23,48]. 5 and Ref.…”

Crystal and fluid modes in three-dimensional finite dust clouds

“…The dust clouds under investigation are heated systematically and identically by means of two laser beams. Laser-heating enables to drive the clusters from a crystalline to a fluid-like state, and hence to study the mode dynamics over a wide range of the strong-coupling regime [14,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45].…”