title: Interparticle Attraction in 2D Complex Plasmas.
abstract: Complex (dusty) plasmas allow experimental studies of various physical processes occurring in classical liquids and solids by directly observing individual microparticles. A major problem is that the interaction between microparticles is generally not molecularlike. In this Letter, we propose how to achieve a molecularlike interaction potential in laboratory 2D complex plasmas. We argue that this principal aim can be achieved by using relatively small microparticles and properly adjusting discharge parameters. If experimentally confirmed, this will make it possible to employ complex plasmas as a model system with an interaction potential resembling that of conventional liquids.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Giessenbachstrasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kompaneets
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Giessenbachstrasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.|BMSTU Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.
authors.forename: Gregor E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Morfill
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Giessenbachstrasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexei V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Ivlev