Molecular dynamics simulations of strongly coupled plasmas:: Localization and microscopic dynamics

The spatial-temporal localization of particles in the local minima of the potential surface is a prominent feature of strongly coupled plasmas. The duration of localization is investigated by molecular dynamics simulation, through monitoring of the decorrelation of the surroundings of individual particles. Three- and two-dimensional systems of particles interacting through Coulomb and Yukawa potentials are studied over a wide range of the plasma coupling (Gamma) and screening (kappa) parameters in the liquid phase. The oscillation spectrum of the caged particles in the equilibrium system as well as in the frozen environment of other particles (Einstein frequency spectrum) is determined. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.