Two-dimensional phase transition in a strongly nonideal dusty plasma

We consider the results of experimental observation of melting of a plasma-dust monolayer (2D phase transition) in a low-pressure gas discharge. Pair and bond-angular correlation functions as well as the number of topological defects in the monolayer are measured and analyzed. The change of profile of the bond-angular correlation functions confirms the existence of the solid-hexatic phase-liquid phase transition, which completely correlates with the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless theory.