Spatially extended void-free dusty plasmas in a laboratory radio-frequency discharge.

Laboratory experiments with thermophoretic levitation of dust particles for gravity compensation are reported. The observed spatially extended dust clouds were investigated, e.g., the dependence of discharge parameters on the void structure. These investigations lead to the discovery of an extended parameter region where spatially extended void-free clouds can be found. The mechanism of void closure is accompanied by a spontaneous change in the discharge topology. This change becomes evident from a reversal of the wave propagation direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]