Measurement of mode coupling in the dust acoustic wave

Most naturally occurring plasmas contain small particulate matter (dust) and the presence of this third charged species leads to a plasma system that is notably more complex than the traditional plasma system. These systems, known as dusty plasmas, support a wide range of physical phenomena, including a low-frequency longitudinal wave mode known as the dust acoustic wave. This wave has been observed to simultaneously support a number of wave modes and it is possible to preferentially drive a single mode. Further, previous measurements have suggested turbulence may be observed during the transition from a driven wave mode to the naturally occurring mode. This poster will present the results of a detailed study looking at this transition and the coupling of select wave modes.