The dynamics of macroparticles in a direct current glow discharge plasma under micro-gravity conditions

Abstract

The dynamics of large-sized (70-180 μm) spherical bronze particles in a direct current glow discharge plasma was studied experimentally under microgravitation conditions. The temperatures, velocities, pair correlation functions and self-diffusion coefficients of macroparticles were measured at various discharge currents. The charges of dust particles (on the order of 106 e) corresponded to high surface potentials of about 30-40 V.