Exploration of complex plasmas
Exploration of complex plasmas
Complex plasmas are electrically conductive gases – similar to those used in fluorescent tubes – into which ‘dust particles’, also referred to as microparticles, are introduced. In their parabolic flight experiment (front left if the image), scientists from Justus Liebig University in Gießen wanted to investigate the electrorheological properties of the liquid phase in complex plasmas. In addition to this basic research, complex plasmas are also ideal for use as modelling systems for other areas, such as crystallography, the physics and technology of liquids and gases, as well as nanotechnology. Since 2014, this experimental system has had a ‘duplicate’ in the PK-4 facility on the ISS, in order to facilitate longer-term research under microgravity.
