Complex and Dusty Plasmas: From Laboratory to Space (Series in Plasma Physics)

Dusty or complex plasmas are plasmas containing solid or liquid charged particles referred to as dust. Naturally occurring in space, they are present in planetary rings and comet tails, as well as clouds found in the vicinity of artificial satellites and space stations. On a more earthly level, dusty plasmas are now being actively researched as dust plays a key role in technological plasma applications associated with etching technologies in microelectronics, as well as with production of thin films and nanoparticles. Complex and Dusty Plasmas: From Laboratory to Space provides a balanced and consistent picture of the current status of the field by covering new developments in experimental and theoretical research. Drawing from research performed across the earth and even beyond by an internationally diverse group of pioneering researchers, this book covers a wealth of topics. It delves into — Major types of complex plasmas in ground-based and microgravity experiments Properties of the magnetized, thermal, cryogenic, ultraviolet, nuclear-induced complex plasmas and plasmas with nonspherical particles Major forces acting on the particles and features of the particle dynamics in complex plasmas, as well as basic plasma-particle interactions, Recent research results on phase transitions between crystalline and liquid complex plasma states Astrophysical aspects of dusty plasmas and numerical simulation of their properties Dust as a source of contamination in many applications including reactors An important feature of this work is the detailed discussion of unique experimental and theoretical aspects of complex plasmas related to the investigations under microgravity conditions performed onboard Mir and ISS space stations. Much of what we know today would not be possible without cooperation between researchers of various nations, many of whom serve as key contributors to this book. Whether deepening their knowledge of things interstellar or developing new applications and products for use in manufacturing, energy, and communication or even fields yet dreamt of, these pages provide the knowledge, approaches, and insight that all researchers of complex plasmas need.