Interparticle attraction in 2D complex plasmas

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to induce molecular-like interactions in 2D complex plasmas by using small microparticles and adjusting discharge parameters, enabling their use as model systems for liquids.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to achieve molecular-like interparticle potentials in laboratory 2D complex plasmas, which was not previously demonstrated.

Findings

Proposed using small microparticles and discharge adjustments to mimic molecular interactions.

Potential to use complex plasmas as models for classical liquids.

Experimental confirmation needed for the proposed method.

Abstract

Complex (dusty) plasmas allow experimental studies of various physical processes occurring in classical liquids and solids by directly observing individual microparticles. A major problem is that the interaction between microparticles is generally not molecular-like. In this Letter, we propose how to achieve a molecular-like interaction potential in laboratory 2D complex plasmas. We argue that this principal aim can be achieved by using relatively small microparticles and properly adjusting discharge parameters. If experimentally confirmed, this will make it possible to employ complex plasmas as a model system with an interaction potential resembling that of conventional liquids.