Experimental study of charging of dust grains in presence of energetic electrons

TL;DR

This study investigates how energetic electrons influence dust grain charging in a plasma, revealing secondary electron emission from tungsten dust, with experimental measurements confirming electron emission effects.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental observation of secondary electron emission from tungsten dust in a plasma environment.

Findings

SEE observed from tungsten dust for the first time

Electrometer confirms electron emission from dust

Plasma parameters measured using Langmuir probe

Abstract

The role of hot electrons in charging of dust grains is investigated in a two-temperature hydrogen plasma. A variety of dust particles are introduced into the system and secondary electron emission (SEE) from each of the dust grains has been reported. A cylindrical Langmuir probe is used for determining the plasma parameters and a Faraday cup is connected to an electrometer in order to measure the dust current. The electrometer readings confirm the electron emission from the dust and SEE is observed from the tungsten dust in a low-pressure experimental plasma device for the first time.