Phase Transitions in Two-Dimensional Complex Plasmas

• Main Author: Knapek, Christina A. (Author)
• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2011.
• Series: Springer Theses
• Subjects: Physics.; Plasma (Ionized gases).; Phase transitions (Statistical physics).; Surfaces (Physics).; Interfaces (Physical sciences).; Thin films.; Phase Transitions and Multiphase Systems.; Plasma Physics.; Surface and Interface Science, Thin Films.

The two experimental studies reported in this thesis contribute important new knowledge about phase transitions in two-dimensional complex plasmas: in one case a determination of the coupling parameter (ratio of mean potential to mean kinetic energy of the particles in an ensemble), and in the other...

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Complex Plasmas
• Experiments
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Estimation of the Coupling Strength
• Theory of Phase Transitions in 2D Systems
• Recrystallization of a 2D Plasma Crystal
• Summary and Outlook
• Estimation of Uncertainties in the Particle Coordinates
• Bond of Orientational Order
• Curriculum Vitae.