Isotropic and Anisotropic Monolayer Structures in RF Discharge Plasma

Molecules. 2023 Apr 6;28(7):3259. doi: 10.3390/molecules28073259.

Abstract

We present the results of an experimental and analytical study of the structural and dynamic properties of a monolayer consisting of dust grains in an electrostatic trap in an RF discharge plasma. The possibility of forming a monolayer with an isotropic distribution for interparticle distance and kinetic energy of particles in the structure has been experimentally shown. Isotropy has crucial importance for the study of various processes in such systems, including the kinetics of phase transitions, the formation of directed flows, wave propagation, and others.

Keywords: RF discharge; anisotropy; colloidal plasma; dusty plasma; two-dimensional structure.

Grants and funding

This research was carried out as part of JIHT RAS state assignment with funds from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.