Journal of Plasma Physics

Table of Contents - June 2012 - Volume 78, Issue 03  

Papers

Simulations of two-stream instability in opposite polarity dusty plasmas

S. ERIC CLARKa1, M. ROSENBERGa1 and K. QUESTa1

a1 Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA (clarkse@physics.ucla.edu)

Abstract

One-dimensional Particle in Cell simulations of a dust–dust counterstreaming instability in a plasma containing dust grains of opposite charge polarity are presented. This dust–dust instability has potentially the lowest threshold drift for a dust wave instability in an unmagnetized dusty plasma. The linear and nonlinear development of this instability is investigated, including the effects of collisions with background neutrals, and a background electric field that acts as a driver to impart the drift velocities of the counter-streaming oppositely charged dust particles. The saturation of the linear instability appears to be due to dust heating related to dust trapping. Potential double layer formation from dust–dust instability turbulence is observed in cases with a high neutral collision rate. A comparative study is done with varying collision rates and background electric fields to explore the nonlinear development as a function of collision rate and background electric field. Applications to possible dusty plasma experimental parameters are discussed.

(Received October 25 2011)

(Revised December 15 2011)

(Accepted December 15 2011)

(Online publication January 16 2012)