New microscopic and macroscopic variables in dusty plasmas

Abstract

The kinetic theory of dusty plasmas, in which the absorption of electrons and ions by dust particles is the dominating interaction process, is derived from first principles. The charging process is shown to imply a considerable modification of properties in comparison with usual plasmas. Not only the electric charge, but also the mass, the angular momentum and the inner energy of the dust particles are new dynamic variables. Their influence on the kinetic behaviour of dusty plasmas is also considered.