arXiv subjects

Zoltán Donkó

Publications and source records attributed to Zoltán Donkó.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Benchmark for two-dimensional large scale coherent structures in partially magnetized ExB plasmas -- Community collaboration & lessons learned

Low-temperature plasmas are essential to both fundamental scientific research and critical industrial applications. As in many areas of science, numerical simulations have become a vital tool for uncovering new physical phenomena and guiding technological development. Code benchmarking remains crucial for verifying implementations and evaluating performance. This work continues the Landmark benchmark initiative, a series specifically designed to support the verification of low-temperature plasma codes. In this study, seventeen simulation codes from a collaborative community of nineteen international institutions modeled a partially magnetized ExB Penning discharge. The emergence of large scale coherent structures, or rotating plasma spokes, endows this configuration with an enormous range of time scales, making it particularly challenging to simulate. The codes showed excellent agreement on the rotation frequency of the spoke as well as key plasma properties, including time-averaged ion density, plasma potential, and electron temperature profiles. Achieving this level of agreement came with challenges, and we share lessons learned on how to conduct future benchmarking campaigns. Comparing code implementations, computational hardware, and simulation runtimes also revealed interesting trends, which are summarized with the aim of guiding future plasma simulation software development.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Experimental validation of particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions simulations in low-pressure neon capacitively coupled plasmas

Plasma simulations are powerful tools for understanding fundamental plasma science phenomena and for process optimization in applications. To ensure their quantitative accuracy, they must be validated against experiments. In this work, such an experimental validation is performed for a 1d3v particle-in-cell simulation complemented with the Monte Carlo treatment of collision processes of a capacitively coupled radio frequency plasma driven at 13.56 MHz and operated in neon gas. In a geometrically symmetric reactor the electron density in the discharge center and the spatio-temporal distribution of the electron impact excitation rate from the ground into the Ne 2p$_1$ state are measured by a microwave cutoff probe and phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy, respectively. The measurements are conducted for electrode gaps between 50 mm and 90 mm, neutral gas pressures between 20 mTorr and 50 mTorr, and peak-to-peak values of the driving voltage waveform between 250 V and 650 V. Simulations are performed under identical discharge conditions. In the simulations, various combinations of surface coefficients characterising the interactions of electrons and heavy particles with the anodized aluminium electrode surfaces are adopted. We find, that the simulations using a constant effective heavy particle induced secondary electron emission coefficient of 0.3 and a realistic electron-surface interaction model (which considers energy-dependent and material specific elastic and inelastic electron reflection, as well as the emission of true secondary electrons from the surface) yield results which are in good quantitative agreement with the experimental data.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Energy efficiency of voltage waveform tailoring for the generation of excited species in RF plasma jets operated in He/N$_2$ mixtures

Based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) measurements of the spatially averaged and peak helium metastable atom densities in a capacitively coupled micro atmospheric pressure plasma jet operated in He/N$_2$ mixtures, the energy efficiency of metastable species (He-I 2$^3$S$_1$) generation is compared for three different scenarios: single frequency operation at (i) 13.56 MHz and (ii) 54.12 MHz, and Voltage Waveform Tailoring (VWT) at (iii) "valleys"-waveforms synthesized from four consecutive harmonics of 13.56 MHz. For each case, the dissipated power is measured based on a careful calibration procedure of voltage and current measurements. The results are compared to PIC/MCC simulation results and very good agreement is found. The computational results show that the choice of the surface coefficients in the simulation is important to reproduce the experimental data correctly. Due to the enhanced control of the spatio-temporal electron power absorption dynamics and, thus, of the electron energy distribution function by VWT, this approach does not only provide better control of the generation of excited and reactive species compared to single frequency excitation, but in case of helium metastables the energy efficiency is also shown to be significantly higher in case of VWT.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Anomalous behavior of plasma response functions at strong coupling

Using data from equilibrium Molecular Dynamics computer simulations we have built up a catalogue of response functions for the Coulomb one-component plasma (OCP) over a wide range of $Γ$ coupling values, including the strongly coupled $Γ> 1$ liquid regime. We focus on the domain of negative compressibility ($Γ>3$), where causality and the concomitant Kramers-Kronig relations are violated. We give a description of the details of the violation, both in the frequency and time domains. We show that the viscoelastic pole of the density response function morphs into an imaginary pole in the upper $ω$ half-plane that is responsible for the anomalous behavior of the response in this coupling range. By examining the plasmon dispersion relation through the dielectric response function, rather than via the peaks of the dynamical structure function, we obtain a more reliable representation for the dispersion. We demonstrate that there is an intimate link between the formation of the roton minimum in the dispersion and the negative compressibility of the system. The feasibility of the extension of our analysis to systems with a short range interaction is explored.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Strongly coupled Yukawa trilayer liquid: Structure and dynamics

The equilibrium structure and the dispersion relations of collective excitations in trilayer Yukawa systems in the strongly coupled liquid regime are examined. The equilibrium correlations reveal a variety of structures in the liquid phase, reminiscent of the corresponding structures in the solid phase. At small layer separation substitutional disorder becomes the governing feature. Theoretical dispersion relations are obtained by applying the Quasi-Localised Charge Approximation (QLCA) formalism, while numerical data are generated by micro-canonical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The dispersions and polarizations of the collective excitations obtained through both of these methods are compared and discussed in detail. We find that the QLCA method is, in general, very satisfactory, but that there are phenomena not covered by the QLCA. In particular, by analyzing the dynamical longitudinal and transverse current fluctuation spectra we discover the existence of a novel structure, not related to the collective mode spectra. This also provides a new insight into the long-standing problem of the gap frequency discrepancy, observed in strongly coupled layered systems in earlier studies.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2019

The sound speed in Yukawa one component plasmas across coupling regimes

A many-body system of charged particles interacting via a pairwise Yukawa potential, the so-called Yukawa One Component Plasma (YOCP) is a good approximation for a variety of physical systems. Such systems are completely characterized by two parameters; the screening parameter, $κ$, and the nominal coupling strength, $Γ$. It is well known that the collective spectrum of the YOCP is governed by a longitudinal acoustic mode, both in the weakly and strongly coupled regimes. In the long-wavelength limit the linear term in the dispersion (\textit{i.e.} $ω= s k$) defines the sound speed $s$. We study the evolution of this latter quantity from the weak through the strong coupling regimes by analyzing the Dynamic Structure Function $S(k,ω)$ in the low frequency domain. Depending on the values of $Γ$ and $κ$ and $w = s/v_{\textrm{th}}$, (\textit{i.e.} the ratio between the phase velocity of the wave and thermal speed of the particles) we identify five domains in the $(κ,Γ)$ parameter space in which the physical behavior of the YOCP exhibits different features. The competing physical processes are the collective Coulomb like vs. binary collision dominated behavior and the individual particle motion vs. quasi-localization. Our principal tool of investigation is Molecular Dynamics (MD) computer simulation from which we obtain $S(k,ω)$. Recent improvements in the simulation technique have allowed us to obtain a large body of high quality data in the range $Γ= \{0.1 - 10,000\}$ and $κ= \{0.5 -5\}$. The theoretical results based on various models are compared in order to see which one provides the most cogent physical description and the best agreement with MD data in the different domains.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2019

Electron power absorption in low pressure capacitively coupled electronegative oxygen radio frequency plasmas

A thorough understanding of the energy transfer mechanism from the electric field to electrons is of utmost importance for optimization and control of different plasma sources and processes. This mechanism, called electron power absorption, involves complex electron dynamics in electronegative capacitively coupled plasmas (CCPs) at low pressures, that are still not fully understood. Therefore, we present a spatio-temporally resolved analysis of electron power absorption in low pressure oxygen CCPs based on the momentum balance equation derived from the Boltzmann equation. Data are obtained from 1d3v Particle-In-Cell / Monte Carlo Collision simulations. In contrast to conventional theoretical models, which predict 'stochastic/collisionless heating' to be important at low pressure, we observe the dominance of Ohmic power absorption. In addition, there is an attenuation of ambipolar power absorption at low pressures due to the strong electronegativity, and the presence of electropositive edge regions in the discharge, which cause a high degree of temporal symmetry of the electron temperature within the RF period.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2019

Trilayer dusty plasma lattice: structure and dynamics

In this paper, we studied the structure and dynamics for a trilayer Yukawa crystal. We firstly studied the optimal lattice structure by comparing lattice interaction energy from different lattice distribution, after that, we did the collective mode calculation and analyzed its eigenvectors, if the lattice structure is stable, all the eigenvalues of the dynamical matrix should be positive.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2018

Self-diffusion in two-dimensional quasi-magnetized rotating dusty plasmas

The self-diffusion phenomenon in a two-dimensional dusty plasma at extremely strong (effective) magnetic fields is studied experimentally and by means of molecular dynamics simulations. In the experiment the high magnetic field is introduced by rotating the particle cloud and observing the particle trajectories in a co-rotating frame, which allows reaching effective magnetic fields up to 3000 Tesla. The experimental results confirm the predictions of the simulations: (i) super-diffusive behavior is found at intermediate time-scales and (ii) the dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient on the magnetic field is well reproduced.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2017

Striations in electronegative capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasmas: effects of the pressure, voltage, and electrode gap

Capacitively coupled radio-frequency (CCRF) CF_4 plasmas have been found to exhibit a self-organized striated structure at operating conditions, where the plasma is strongly electronegative and the ion-ion plasma in the bulk region (largely composed of CF_3^+ and F^- ions) resonates with the excitation frequency. In this work we explore the effects of the gas pressure, the RF voltage, and the electrode gap on this striated structure by Phase Resolved Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Particle-In-Cell/Monte Carlo Collisions simulations. The measured electronic excitation patterns at different external parameters show a good general agreement with the spatio-temporal plots of the ionization rate obtained from the simulations. For a fixed driving frequency the minima of the CF_3^+ and F^- ion densities (between the density peaks in the bulk) are comparable and independent of other external parameters. However, the ion density maxima generally increase as a function of the pressure or RF voltage, leading to the enhanced spatial modulation of plasma parameters. The striation gap (defined as the distance between two ion density peaks) is approximately inversely proportional to the pressure, while it exhibits a weak dependence on the RF voltage and the electrode gap. A transition between the striated and non-striated modes can be observed by changing either the pressure or the RF voltage; for 13.56 MHz and 18 MHz driving frequencies we present a phase diagram as a function of the pressure and voltage amplitude parameters.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2017

Striations in electronegative capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasmas: analysis of the pattern formation and the effect of the driving frequency

Self-organized striated structures of the plasma emission have recently been observed in capacitive radio-frequency CF4 plasmas by Phase Resolved Optical Emission Spectroscopy (PROES) and their formation was analyzed and understood by Particle in Cell / Monte Carlo Collision (PIC/MCC) simulations [Y.-X. Liu, et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 255002 (2016)]. The striations were found to result from the periodic generation of double layers due to the modulation of the densities of positive and negative ions responding to the externally applied RF potential. In this work, an in-depth analysis of the formation of striations is given, as well as the effect of the driving frequency on the plasma parameters, such as the spatially modulated charged species densities, the electric field, and the electron power absorption is studied by PROES measurements, PIC/MCC simulations, and an ion-ion plasma model. The measured spatio-temporal electronic excitation patterns at different driving frequencies show a high degree of consistency with the simulation results. The striation gap (i.e., the distance between two ion density maxima) is found to be inversely proportional to the driving frequency. In the presence of striations the minimum(CF_3^+, F^-) ion densities in the bulk region exhibit an approximately quadratic increase with the driving frequency. For these densities, the eigenfrequency of the ion-ion plasma is near the driving frequency, indicating that a resonance occurs between the positive and negative ions and the oscillating electric field inside the plasma bulk. The maximum ion densities in the plasma bulk are found not to exhibit a simple dependence on the driving frequency, since these ion densities are abnormally enhanced within a certain frequency range due to the ions being focused into the "striations" by the spatially modulated electric field inside the bulk region.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2014

On the metastability of the hexatic phase during the melting of two-dimensional charged particle solids

For two-dimensional many-particle systems first-order, second-order, single step continuous, as well as two-step continuous (KTHNY-like) melting transitions have been found in previous studies. Recent computer simulations, using particle numbers in the $\geq 10^5$ range, as well as a few experimental studies, tend to support the two-step scenario, where the solid and liquid phases are separated by a third, so called hexatic phase. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations on Yukawa (Debye-Hückel) systems at conditions earlier predicted to belong to the hexatic phase. Our simulation studies on the time needed for the equilibration of the systems conclude that the hexatic phase is metastable and disappears in the limit of long times. We also show that simply increasing the particle number in particle simulations does not necessarily result in more accurate conclusions regarding the existence of the hexatic phase. The increase of the system size has to be accompanied with the increase of the simulation time to ensure properly thermalized conditions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Magnetoplasmons in rotating dusty plasmas

A rotating dusty plasma apparatus was constructed to provide the possibility of experimental emulation of extremely high magnetic fields by means of the Coriolis force, observable in a co-rotating measurement frame. We present collective excitation spectra for different rotation rates with a magnetic induction equivalent of up to 3200 Tesla. We identify the onset of magnetoplasmon-equivalent mode dispersion in the rotating macroscopic two-dimensional single-layer dusty plasma. The experimental results are supported by molecular dynamics simulations of 2D magnetized Yukawa systems.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2013

Transport control of dust particles via the Electrical Asymmetry Effect: experiment, simulation, and modeling

The control of the spatial distribution of micrometer-sized dust particles in capacitively coupled radio frequency discharges is relevant for research and applications. Typically, dust particles in plasmas form a layer located at the sheath edge adjacent to the bottom electrode. Here, a method of manipulating this distribution by the application of a specific excitation waveform, i.e. two consecutive harmonics, is discussed. Tuning the phase angle θbetween the two harmonics allows to adjust the discharge symmetry via the Electrical Asymmetry Effect (EAE). An adiabatic (continuous) phase shift leaves the dust particles at an equilibrium position close to the lower sheath edge. Their levitation can be correlated with the electric field profile. By applying an abrupt phase shift the dust particles are transported between both sheaths through the plasma bulk and partially reside at an equilibium position close to the upper sheath edge. Hence, the potential profile in the bulk region is probed by the dust particles providing indirect information on plasma properties. The respective motion is understood by an analytical model, showing both the limitations and possible ways of optimizing this sheath-to-sheath transport. A classification of the transport depending on the change in the dc self bias is provided, and the pressure dependence is discussed.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2012

Single exposure 3D imaging of dusty plasma clusters

We have worked out the details of a single camera, single exposure method to perform three-dimensional imaging of a finite particle cluster. The procedure is based on the plenoptic imaging principle and utilizes a commercial Lytro light field still camera. We demonstrate the capabilities of our technique on a single layer particle cluster in a dusty plasma, where the camera is aligned inclined at a small angle to the particle layer. The reconstruction of the third coordinate (depth) is found to be accurate and even shadowing particles can be identified.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2011

Static and dynamic shear viscosity of a single layer complex plasma

We measured the static and dynamic (complex) shear viscosity of a single layer complex plasma by applying, respectively, a stationary and a periodically modulated shear stress induced by the light pressure of manipulating laser beams. Under static conditions the shear viscosity reproduced the numerically predicted shear rate dependence, the so called shear-thinning effect. Under oscillating shear both the magnitude and the ratio of the dissipative and elastic contributions to the complex viscosity show strong frequency dependence. Accompanying molecular dynamics simulations explain and support the experimental observations.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2011

Strong Coupling Effects in Binary Yukawa Systems

We analyze the acoustic collective excitations in two- and three-dimensional binary Yukawa systems, consisting of two components with different masses. Theoretical analysis reveals a profound difference between the weakly and strongly correlated limits: at weak coupling the two components interact via the mean field only and the oscillation frequency is governed by the light component. In the strongly correlated limit the mode frequency is governed by the combined mass, where the heavy component dominates. Computer simulations in the full coupling range extend and confirm the theoretical results.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2011

Ground state structures of superparamagnetic 2D dusty plasma crystals

Ground state structures of finite, cylindrically confined two-dimensional Yukawa systems composed of charged superparamagnetic dust grains in an external magnetic field are investigated numerically, using molecular dynamic simulations and lattice summation methods. The ground state configuration of the system is identified using, as an approximation, the experimentally obtained shape of the horizontal confinement potential in a classical single layer dusty plasma experiment with non-magnetic grains. Results are presented for the dependence of the number density and lattice parameters of the dust layer on (1) the ratio of the magnetic dipole-dipole force to electrostatic force between the grains and (2) the orientation of the grain magnetic moment with respect to the layer.

physics.plasm-ph↗