Time-dependent properties of classical artificial atoms

The time-dependent properties of a finite number of classical charged particles moving in two dimensions (2D) and which are confined by a parabolic potential are studied. In equilibrium those particles arrange themselves in shells. Using molecular dynamics we obtain the temperature dependence of the transition rate for particles jumping between shells and the transition rate for intershell rotation. The temperature dependence of the velocity autocorrelation function is studied. We relate the behaviour of these quantities to the melting of the system. The results of our numerical simulation are compared with those from classical rate theory. The influence of a magnetic field on the particle motion anti on the rate of jumps is also investigated.