Analysis of the Coulomb-solidification Process in Particle Plasmas

Abstract

The Coulomb-solidification process is analysed using Mie-scattering ellipsometry with the assistance of photography and scanning electron microscopy. Spherical monodisperse carbon particles are observed to grow in a methane plasma. The Coulomb-coupling parameter at the liquid-to-solid phase transition is evaluated to be around 200, which is close to the value predicted by a Monte Carlo simulation. The growth of monodisperse particles of pss: size having the same charge favours the formation of a Coulomb solid.