Torsion heating in complex plasma crystals.

The study of plasma has yielded advancements in fields ranging from manufacturing to medicine for millions worldwide. A subfield of plasma study involves introducing microparticles to plasma, forming a newer field called complex/dusty plasmas. Complex plasmas host analogous structures to naturally occurring ones, like crystals, and may be studied to observe previously inaccessible features and effects in naturally occurring systems. Microparticles levitated in the plasma may form two-dimensional crystalline structures where features only available to plasma systems may occur, like the ion wakefield. The combination of microparticles in the plasma creates an ion wakefield that drives the formation of several static and dynamic structures in plasma crystals, most notably in this work, two spinning particles straddling a crystal monolayer called torsions. Torsions have been observed previously, and some aspects of their motion have been studied, but the energy and structural perturbations of the torsion have not been fully revealed. A new diagnostic linked to the particle amplitude of motion will be introduced as a novel mechanism for measuring particle perturbation and heating of the plasma crystal. The motion and structural impact of single torsions in a lattice are examined, and their combined effects lead to a new lattice state called a hot crystal. The single torsion analysis is extended to pairs of torsions in the lattice, where the motion between torsions is amplified along with the structural perturbations to the lattice, creating an even hotter crystal. This work aims to fill the gaps in torsions' motion and structural perturbations and provide a base for torsions as a novel melting mechanic in complex plasma systems.

Author dc:creator

• Carmichael, Calvin, 1996-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hyde, Truell Wayne.

• Plasma.
• Crystals.
• Complex plasma.
• Microparticle interactions.
• Melting.

Statement dc:rights

• Worldwide access
• Baylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13581

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:tdl-ir.tdl.org:2104/13581