Dust trap formation in a non-self-sustained discharge with external gas ionization

Results from numerical studies of a non-self-sustained gas discharge containing micrometer dust grains are presented. The non-self-sustained discharge (NSSD) was controlled by a stationary fast electron beam. The numerical model of an NSSD is based on the diffusion drift approximation for electrons...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plasma physics reports 2015-11, Vol.41 (11), p.895-904
Main Authors: Filippov, A. V., Babichev, V. N., Pal’, A. F., Starostin, A. N., Cherkovets, V. E., Rerikh, V. K., Taran, M. D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
APPROXIMATIONS
Atomic
CATHODES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DIFFUSION
DUSTS
Dusty Plasma
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTRONS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
GRAIN SIZE
GRAVITATION
LEVITATION
Molecular
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Optical and Plasma Physics
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
SELF-CONSISTENT FIELD
TRAPS
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Summary:Results from numerical studies of a non-self-sustained gas discharge containing micrometer dust grains are presented. The non-self-sustained discharge (NSSD) was controlled by a stationary fast electron beam. The numerical model of an NSSD is based on the diffusion drift approximation for electrons and ions and self-consistently takes into account the influence of the dust component on the electron and ion densities. The dust component is described by the balance equation for the number of dust grains and the equation of motion for dust grains with allowance for the Stokes force, gravity force, and electric force in the cathode sheath. The interaction between dust grains is described in the self-consistent field approximation. The height of dust grain levitation over the cathode is determined and compared with experimental results. It is established that, at a given gas ionization rate and given applied voltage, there is a critical dust grain size above which the levitation condition in the cathode sheath cannot be satisfied. Simulations performed for the dust component consisting of dust grains of two different sizes shows that such grains levitate at different heights, i.e., size separation of dust drains levitating in the cathode sheath of an NSSD takes place.
ISSN:1063-780X
1562-6938
DOI:10.1134/S1063780X15110057