Three-dimensional strongly coupled plasma crystal under gravity conditions

Phys Rev Lett. 2000 Nov 6;85(19):4064-7. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.4064.

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to investigate a three-dimensional (3D) plasma crystal. A method of determining the positions of each individual microparticle has been developed. A crystal volume of about 2x10(4) particles in 19 horizontal planes was analyzed. Direct imaging and the 3D pair correlation function show that "domains" of fcc and hcp lattices coexist in the crystal. Other structures, in particular, the theoretically predicted bcc lattice, were not observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.