Dusty plasmas with high electron depletion: Investigation of fundamental mechanisms and properties through particle and plasma diagnostics

• Applicants: Privatdozent Dr. Franko Greiner; Professor Dr. Sebastian Wolf
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 418187010

This project is dedicated to the investigation of a nanodusty plasma with a particle number density that is sufficiently high to significantly affect the properties of the whole plasma. Due to the high negative charging of the particles, electrons are strongly depleted and the plasma changes its state from a three-component dust-ion-electron plasma to a two-component dust-ion plasma. The charging of the nanoparticles in the plasma is the key property – a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved is essential for both fundamental plasma physics research and plasma technology. The Havnes parameter P provides a measure for the degree of electron depletion between P = 0 (no depletion) and P → ∞ (complete electron depletion). In this project we will• Create nanodusty laboratory plasmas with very high Havnes-Parameter ( P > 100)• Characterize these plasmas using the dust-density wave diagnostics• Develop in-situ diagnostics of the nanoparticle size and density profile by means of light scattering techniques for both optically thin and thick clouds• Verify the in-situ diagnostics by ex-situ microscopy, and• Develop new light scattering diagnostics for technical applicationsFor the first time, laboratory plasmas with a high Havnes parameter will be characterized in depth. The new insight into the growth of nanoparticles and the knowledge about the mechanisms of growth and confinement of nanoparticles in a plasma will be of importance for both basic plasma physics and future plasma technological applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants