Rotational modes of oscillation of rodlike dust grains in a plasma

Abstract

Three dimensional rotatory modes of oscillations in a one-dimensional chain of rodlike charged particles or dust grains in a plasma are investigated. The dispersion characteristics of the modes are analyzed. The stability of different equilibrium orientations of the rods, phase transitions between the different equilibria, and a critical dependence on the relative strength of the confining potential are analyzed. The relations of these processes with liquid crystals, nanotubing, and plasma coating are discussed.

arXiv commentPublished in August 2003; this is a late submission to the archive. 9 pages, 5 figures