Dust is ubiquitous in the universe and responsible for stellar and planetary formation. Virtually all previous studies have considered the dust particulates to be a charge neutral component. Satellite missions such as Voyager revealed the extent to which charged dust plays a role in astrophysics. In most areas dust exists in the presence of a dilute plasma. In such a plasma environment the dust becomes charged to a variety of processes (eg photo-ionisation, collisions with electrons and ions, thermionic emission etc). Closer to home in the Earth's mesosphere, rocket measurements and radar observations conclusively demonstrate the importance of charged dust in forming complex structures responsible for Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes. This book is the outcome of a periodic collaboration between a small group of scientists meeting twice a year at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern, Switzerland over a period of three years. The book begins with a description of the fundamental physical processes which characterise dusty plasmas. Starting with charging and shielding of isolated dust particles in a plasma environment, the review progresses to non-linear dust dynamics of spherical and irregular dust. In an ensemble of a dust plasma system collective processes begin to manifest themselves in the form of new wave modes and instabilities which play an important role in the collective behaviour displayed in space and astrophysical environment. Finally more exotic topics, such as the Ising model for irregular dust grain alignment, classical Casimir forces and chargeons are explored.

Dusty or complex plasmas are plasmas containing solid or liquid charged particles referred to as dust. Naturally occurring in space, they are present in planetary rings and comet tails, as well as clouds found in the vicinity of artificial satellites and space stations. On a more earthly level, dusty plasmas are now being actively researched as dust plays a key role in technological plasma applications associated with etching technologies in microelectronics, as well as with production of thin films and nanoparticles. Complex and Dusty Plasmas: From Laboratory to Space provides a balanced and consistent picture of the current status of the field by covering new developments in experimental and theoretical research. Drawing from research performed across the earth and even beyond by an internationally diverse group of pioneering researchers, this book covers a wealth of topics. It delves into -- Major types of complex plasmas in ground-based and microgravity experiments Properties of the magnetized, thermal, cryogenic, ultraviolet, nuclear-induced complex plasmas and plasmas with nonspherical particles Major forces acting on the particles and features of the particle dynamics in complex plasmas, as well as basic plasma-particle interactions, Recent research results on phase transitions between crystalline and liquid complex plasma states Astrophysical aspects of dusty plasmas and numerical simulation of their properties Dust as a source of contamination in many applications including reactors An important feature of this work is the detailed discussion of unique experimental and theoretical aspects of complex plasmas related to the investigations under microgravity conditions performed onboard Mir and ISS space stations. Much of what we know today would not be possible without cooperation between researchers of various nations, many of whom serve as key contributors to this book. Whether deepening their knowledge of things interstellar or developing new applications and products for use in manufacturing, energy, and communication or even fields yet dreamt of, these pages provide the knowledge, approaches, and insight that all researchers of complex plasmas need.

Introduction to Dusty Plasma Physics contains a detailed description of the occurrence of dusty plasmas in our Solar System, the Earth's mesosphere, and in laboratory discharges. The book illustrates numerous mechanisms for charging dust particles and provides studies of the grain dynamics under the influence of forces that are common in dusty plas

This book provides the reader with an introduction to the physics of complex plasmas, a discussion of the specific scientific and technical challenges they present and an overview of their potential technological applications. Complex plasmas differ from conventional high-temperature plasmas in several ways: they may contain additional species, including nano meter- to micrometer-sized particles, negative ions, molecules and radicals and they may exhibit strong correlations or quantum effects. This book introduces the classical and quantum mechanical approaches used to describe and simulate complex plasmas. It also covers some key experimental techniques used in the analysis of these plasmas, including calorimetric probe methods, IR absorption techniques and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The final part of the book reviews the emerging applications of microcavity and microchannel plasmas, the synthesis and assembly of nanomaterials through plasma electrochemistry, the large-scale generation of ozone using microplasmas and novel applications of atmospheric-pressure non-thermal plasmas in dentistry. Going beyond the scope of traditional plasma texts, the presentation is very well suited for senior undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers specializing in plasma physics.

Solar and space physics is the study of solar system phenomena that occur in the plasma state. Examples include sunspots, the solar wind, planetary magnetospheres, radiation belts, and the aurora. While each is a distinct phenomenon, there are commonalities among them. To help define and systematize these universal aspects of the field of space physics, the National Research Council was asked by NASA's Office of Space Science to provide a scientific assessment and strategy for the study of magnetized plasmas in the solar system. This report presents that assessment. It covers a number of important research goals for solar and space physics. The report is complementary to the NRC report, The Sun to the Earthâ€"and Beyond: A Decadal Research Strategy for Solar and Space Physics, which presents priorities and strategies for future program activities.

The presentation in the book is based on charge balance on the dust particles, number and energy balance of the constituents and atom-ion-electron interaction in the gaseous plasma. Size distribution of dust particles, statistical mechanics, Quantum effects in electron emission from and accretion on dust particles and nonlinear interaction of complex plasmas with electric and electromagnetic fields have been discussed in the book. The book introduces the reader to basic concepts and typical applications. The book should be of use to researchers, engineers and graduate students.