Magnetizing a Complex Plasma without a Magnetic Field

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a concept that mimics the magnetization of the heavy dust particles in a complex plasma while leaving the properties of the light species practically unaffected. It makes use of the frictional coupling between a complex plasma and the neutral gas, which allows us to transfer angular momentum from a rotating gas column to a well-controlled rotation of the dust cloud. This induces a Coriolis force that acts exactly as the Lorentz force in a magnetic field. Experimental normal mode measurements for a small dust cluster with four particles show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions for a magnetized plasma.

Dynamics of two-dimensional one-component and binary Yukawa systems in a magnetic field

“…Our simulation results can be verified in experiments of dusty plasmas either in magnetic fields [37] or in rotating electrodes which formally lead to the same equations of motion [10,12,13]. Binary systems can also be realized in dusty plasmas, e.g., Ref.…”

“…In particular, the motion of few-particle clusters in magnetic fields has been studied both by experiments and simulation [10,12]. The dynamics of three-dimensional ionic binary mixture have also been under investigation in early as well as recent research [18][19][20][21], with a particular focus on astrophysical plasmas and those encountered in inertial confinement fusion.…”

“…Though the presence of a magnetic field does not alter the equilibrium static properties, such as phase transitions, the dynamics are strongly affected [9]. Due to the Lorentz force, the charged particles exhibit a circular motion [10][11][12] which is expected to slow the dynamics down. Therefore the magnetic field opens the fascinating possibility to change the dynamical properties of the system externally without changing the system itself, e.g., Ref.…”

Streaming Complex Plasmas: Ion Susceptibility for a Partially Ionized Plasma in Parallel Electric and Magnetic Fields

“…Crystalline and strongly coupled fluid states [15,16] also occur naturally in dusty plasmas due to the strong Coulomb interaction between the grains. Even though the dust particles themselves are difficult to magnetize [17], their screened interaction, and thus, their collective behavior, can be affected significantly by an external magnetic field [18].Dusty plasma experiments are often confronted with ion flows due to electric fields, especially in the sheath region. They affect the charging of the dust grains [19], their mutual interaction due to the formation of wake potentials [20,21], and give rise to drag forces [22,23].…”

“…Crystalline and strongly coupled fluid states [15,16] also occur naturally in dusty plasmas due to the strong Coulomb interaction between the grains. Even though the dust particles themselves are difficult to magnetize [17], their screened interaction, and thus, their collective behavior, can be affected significantly by an external magnetic field [18].…”