Wave phenomena in complex plasmas

Summary form only given. Solids and liquids consist of molecules whose microscopic arrangement affects the macroscopic properties of the matter. It is very difficult or impossible to follow the motion of molecules in real time at the microscopic scale. Here we use a model system - complex plasma, where due to its slow relaxation time and large spatial scale, individual particles can be observed in real time. Complex plasmas consist of micron-sized plastic spheres (grains) mixed with an ion-electron plasma. The grains can be levitated and confined in a low pressure gas discharge, where they form liquid- and solid-like structures, undergo phase transitions, propagate waves, solitons, shocks and exhibit other dynamic effects.