Tuning the structure and transport properties of complex plasmas using electric field

Abstract

In this work, we explored the effects of uniaxial (M z ) and biaxial (M xy ) ac electric fields on the structure and transport properties of complex (dusty) plasmas (CDPs) using molecular dynamics simulations. Structures are analyzed using two diagnostic methods, one is lattice correlation function ψ(τ) and the second is radial distribution function g(r) under the influence of M z and M xy , respectively. The Green–Kubo (G-K) method has been used to compute the shear viscosity (η xy ) in the M xy ac electric field. The diffusive behavior of dust particles is investigated using G-K and Einstein methods in M z . In the limits of the varying electric field, these properties of CDPs are accounted for an appropriate range of plasma Coulomb coupling (Γ) and constant Debye screening strength (κ = 0.50) parameters with different system sizes. The simulation outcomes of ψ(τ) and g(r) indicate that the phase transition phenomena occur in CDPs with the variations of M z , M xy and Γ. The η xy and diffusion coefficients significantly increase with increasing parallel electric fields. The subdiffusion motion for short-time behavior and superdiffusion motion for long-time behavior is observed in the presence of moderate to strong electric field strengths. It is revealed that the phase transition and changes in the transports properties of CDPs significantly depend on the strength of the external electric field and plasma parameter (Γ). Novel regimes are observed where CDPs quickly respond to the external electric field. Simulation results are outstanding in the combined effects of Yukawa and anisotropic wake potential on CDPs structural and transport properties. Simulation results demonstrate that the CDPs have electrorheological characteristics. Due to these unique properties, electrorheological CDPs may be used as a platform to study the electrorheological aspects of soft matter. There is a possibility that CDPs will be used as electrorheological material in the near future.