Mainz 2022 – scientific programme

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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik

P 9: Poster I

P 9.38: Poster

Tuesday, March 29, 2022, 16:00–17:30, P

Experiments and Simulations of Phase Separation in Binary Dusty Plasmas — •Stefan Schütt and André Melzer — Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald

Three-dimensionally extended dusty plasmas containing mixtures of two particle species of different size have been investigated on parabolic flights. Phase separation was found even when the size disparity was below 5%. Uphill diffusion coefficients have been determined and lie in the expected range for a phase separation process driven by plasma forces. A measure for the strength of the phase separation is presented that allows to quickly characterize measurements. There is a clear correlation between size disparity and phase separation strength. Molecular dynamics simulations of binary dusty plasmas have been performed and their behavior with respect to the phase separation process has been analyzed. Here as well, it was found that even the smallest size disparities lead to phase separation. It was confirmed that the separation is due to the force imbalance on the two species. Additionally, it was found that in the simulations the separation becomes weaker with increasing mean particle size.