Driven Rotating Dusty Plasma Rings

This research explores the dynamics of a one-dimensional dusty plasma ring under the influence of varying electric fields. Using a custom-designed plasma-generating system, micron-sized charged dust particles are confined in a ring-shaped structure. By redesigning the plasma-generating electrode into independently controlled segments, we aim to create customizable potential wells, enabling precise modulation of electric fields to investigate a range of physical phenomena. Automation of signal control via scripts will allow for more accurate real-time adjustments, while ongoing hardware modifications will enhance the system's ability to simulate different confinement geometries and instability modes. This research holds significant potential for further exploration of plasma behavior, such as collective oscillations, wave propagation, and instabilities, while also providing a platform for future educational and experimental developments in the field of dusty plasma physics.