Modeling of complex plasmas under micro-gravity conditions

Computer modeling of complex (dusty) plasmas under micro-gravity conditions is performed. It is shown that several requirements are necessary to obtain almost homogeneous self-confining micro-particle structures: (a) The ion and electron densities at the center of the structure should exceed certain critical values; (b) the rate of ionization should be less than a certain critical value; and (c) the micro-particle structures surrounded by walls should be separated from the wall by a dust void. It is found that in the optimum case up to 6×10 6 micro-particles can be confined in the structure. For that the ion flux in the center part of the structure should be almost convective. Less than 10 3 micro-particles can be confined without optimal tuning of the parameters. The void surrounding the micro-particle structure has specific properties determined both by the particle cloud and the wall conditions. The void’s properties are found to be crucial for the properties of the particle cloud.