Characterizing Crystallization in a Complex Plasma

Complex (dusty) plasmas are the mixture of electrons, ions, and neutral atoms with the addition of charged macroscopic dust particles of nanometer to micrometer size. These systems exhibit gaseous, fluidic, and crystal-like phases depending on the electrostatic and kinetic energies of the system. Previously, these systems have been characterized using spatial correlation functions and particle dynamics using particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). This article aims to expand on that work to further identify specific crystal structures such as face centered cubic (fcc) by calculating the rotational invariance maps from PTV data and directly from images. The later techniques have potential advantages for real time analysis and experimental control. We present a Python library package workflow for identifying the different phases; as well, we show preliminary results of the temporal evolution of crystal formation in a dusty plasma cross section.