Torsion Induced Anisotropic Plasma Crystal Energy Transfer*

Torsions are three-dimensional orbital inclusions in two-dimensional complex plasma crystals which occur when two dust particles vertically leave the plane of the crystal (typically one above and one below). These two particles orbit horizontally within a force cage formed by the remaining crystal lattice. Torsion inclusions give researchers a means by which to examine the 2 ½ dimensional nature of plasma crystals resulting from ion wakefield interactions and the resultant energy transfer mechanisms. In this talk we demonstrate how the inclusion of a torsion within the crystalline lattice leads to anisotropic propagation of energy from vertical laser perturbation. Experiments were performed in a Modified Gaseous Electronic Conference (GEC) rf reference cell utilizing a collimated Verdi laser for crystal perturbation.