Abstract
We describe experiments aimed at characterizing complex plasma crystals and their interaction with the space charge surrounding an RF discharge. By analysing the complex plasma radiofrequency impedance, we were able to measure the density of the free electrons of the crystal. The density of the ions was derived by Langmuir probe measurements in the bulk plasma combined with a model of the RF plasma sheath. Surprisingly the full characterization of the crystal reveals that the 3D ensemble is quasi-neutral, i.e. a three component plasma and the particles levitate in their self-built electric field, much lower than the sheath field. This result is inherent to the 3D geometry.
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