Fig. 7. Laboratory prototypes of two developments for the next generation Space
Laboratory Plasma Lab. A cylindrical plasma chamber (left) and a multi-electrode
near-spherical chamber (right)
These and most certainly many other topics will occupy the researchers
of the new Centre for Plasma Science and Technology in the years to come.
Looking ahead.
There are other major new developments in plasma
science and technology, which we plan to embark on (in addition to the
three topics started this year) in the years to come. These are:
4. New Space Laboratories (see fig. 8).
Unlike “regular” plasma
species — electrons and ions, microparticles in complex plasmas are
strongly affected by gravity. A vertical dc electric field generated near
the lower plasma electrode is usually employed to provide a force that
compensates gravity and allows the microparticles to levitate. This provides
favorable conditions to study 2D systems — this is utilized in the
GEC
setup
already installed in our Centre. However, in order to perform precision
Fig. 8. Previous Plasma Laboratories on the ISS: PKE-Nefedov (2001-2005, left
insert), PK-3plus (2005-2013, right insert)
ISSN 0236-3941. Вестник МГТУ им. Н.Э. Баумана. Сер. “Машиностроение” 2013. № 2 51
