The two experimental studies reported in this thesis contribute important new knowledge about phase transitions in two-dimensional complex plasmas: in one case a determination of the coupling parameter (ratio of mean potential to mean kinetic energy of the particles in an ensemble), and in the other a detailed characterization of the non-equilibrium recrystallization of a two-dimensional system. The latter results are used to establish the connection between structural order parameters and the kinetic energy, which in turn gives novel insights into the underlying physical processes determining the two-dimensional phase transition.
Author(s): Christina A. Knapek (auth.)
Series: Springer Theses
Edition: 1
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 158
Tags: Phase Transitions and Multiphase Systems;Plasma Physics;Surface and Interface Science, Thin Films
Front Matter....Pages i-xi
Introduction....Pages 1-5
Complex Plasmas....Pages 7-17
Experiments....Pages 19-30
Data Analysis Techniques....Pages 31-46
Estimation of the Coupling Strength $$\Upgamma$$ ....Pages 47-67
Theory of Phase Transitions in 2D Systems....Pages 69-77
Recrystallization of a 2D Plasma Crystal....Pages 79-122
Summary and Outlook....Pages 123-125
Appendix A: Estimation of Uncertainties in the Particle Coordinates....Pages 127-150
Appendix B: Bond Orientational Order....Pages 151-156
Back Matter....Pages 157-158
