Dusty Plasmas in the New Millennium: Third International Conference on the Physics of Dusty Plasmas, Durban, South Africa, 20-24 May 2002 (AIP Conference Proceedings)

  A dusty plasma (or complex plasma) is a plasma (ionized gas) in which relatively massive particulates (dust grains) are embedded. Dusty plasmas occur widely in nature and show great industrial potential. This volume reports on the latest developments in dusty plasma physics, from astrophysical to space to laboratory environments. Theoretical and computer simulation advances cover topics such as linear instabilities, nonlinear wave phenomena, and plasma sheaths. Experimental results deal with exciting areas such as particle coagulation, plasma crystals, plasma voids, and microgravity experiments. Four comprehensive overview papers are presented on dusty plasmas in: astrophysics and cosmology, the solar system, and the ionosphere and its environment, as well as on the structure and dynamics of strongly non-ideal plasmas. In addition, eight topical reviews are included, as well as about 90 short research papers.