Real-Time Structure Detection of Complex Plasmas Using Direct Pixel-Based Analysis*

Complex (dusty) plasmas are comprised of charged macroscopic dust particles (nanometer to micrometer size) along with the background plasma components: electrons, ions, and neutral atoms. In these systems, the dust manifests various collective behaviors, including the formation of material-like phases. These phases can exhibit gaseous, fluidic (isotropic and anisotropic/hexatic), and crystal-like based on the ratio of electrostatic and kinetic energies. Complex plasmas provide a unique macroscopic, dynamic, experimental study of materials science through a soft-matter analogy.

Established characterization workflows employ spatial correlation functions, particle dynamics, and rotational invariance maps to identify different structural phases and characterize the crystal structure melting. This work employes those methods on a pixel basis for a direct image analysis, offering potential real-time analysis and improved experimental control. We present a Python library workflow, extending these metrics from 2D to 3D. The analysis framework is applied to provide preliminary structural insights from the PK4 experiment aboard the ISS.

Here we will present an update on the current analysis results, progress towards developing this system as an experimental companion/tool, and steps toward achieving real-time experimental data control.