Aachen PK 2003 – scientific programme

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P: Plasmaphysik

P 10: Poster II

P 10.37: Poster

Tuesday, March 18, 2003, 17:30–19:15, Foyer

Langmuir probe measurements in complex plasmas under microgravity conditions — •Markus Klindworth, André Melzer, and Alexander Piel — Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24098 Kiel

Complex plasmas (plasmas with injected microspheres) under microgravity conditions show a number of interesting phenomena like dust free “void” regions or sharply localised dust dynamics. Understanding the driving mechanism of these effects requires the knowledge of plasma parameters. Therefore it is desirable to use Langmuir probes in complex plasmas.

Our group has developed a tuned probe measurement system for the PKE experiment, which was designed and intensely used for studying agravic complex plasmas on parabolic flights by the MPE. We present an overview over laboratory measurements and measurements performed under microgravity.

By comparison of measured two-dimensional plasma parameter profiles of dust free plasmas with simulated profiles the capabilities of our Langmuir probe design is demonstrated in the small PKE discharge. Profiles of laboratory complex plasmas significantly differ from the dust free case. For example definite variations of electron density can be seen. Measurements in plasmas with a 3D particle distribution under microgravity during parabolic flight experiments complete the observations.