Particular Threshold Behavior of Dusty Plasma Instabilities

Maxime Mikikian (1) , Marjorie Cavarroc (1) , Lénaïc Couëdel (1) , Yves Tessier (1) , Laifa Boufendi (1)

1 GREMI - Groupe de recherches sur l'énergétique des milieux ionisés

We show that some experimentally observed instabilities, concerning the void region of a dust cloud, are similar to oscillations obtained in chemical systems or neuronal dynamics. The time evolution of these instabilities follows a well-defined process particularly visible in the instability shape and frequency. Dust voids are often encountered in dusty plasma experiments. These dust-free regions are considered to be maintained by an equilibrium between inward electrostatic and outward ion drag forces. This equilibrium can be disturbed, leading to void size oscillations (heartbeat instability). When the instability is about to end, failed void contractions are observed. We analyzed this ending phase by using electrical and optical diagnostics. High speed video imaging is also used to record dust cloud and plasma emission behavior. Comparisons with oscillations observed in neuronal activity and chemistry are performed and close similarities are underlined.

Mots clés: Void; Instabilities; Dusty plasmas

Domaines: Plasmas; Physique des plasmas [physics.plasm-ph]

Maxime Mikikian, Marjorie Cavarroc, Lénaïc Couëdel, Yves Tessier, Laifa Boufendi. Particular Threshold Behavior of Dusty Plasma Instabilities. Fifth International Conference on the Physics of Dusty Plasmas (ICPDP5), May 2008, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal. pp.5, ⟨10.1063/1.2997274⟩. ⟨hal-00327225⟩