Dynamics and reorganization of dust chains in a complex plasma

Abstract

The formation and dynamics of vertical dust chains in the radio frequency discharge plasma sheath have been investigated. The spatiotemporal evolution diagram allows the visualization of the dust chain formation process as well as the oscillation phenomenon. A clear stratification was observed, and spatially nonuniform self‐organizing behavior of the dust chains, such as fractures and reconnections, was also observed, showing that the lower layers of the large‐grained chains are less restricted, softer, and more prone to rearrangement. The spatial distribution characteristics of the charged particles in the sheath and the modified two‐particle model, which takes into account the interparticle attraction, partially explain the mechanisms of the fracture and reorganization behavior of the dust chains.