Self-Rotation of Dust Particles in Induction-Type RF Discharge

Abstract

Self-rotation (rotation about the center of mass) of dust particles in a magnetic field has been investigated. The angular velocity of self-rotation in a dust trap produced by an rf discharge has been measured for the first time. It has been discovered that the angular velocity is independent of magnetic induction up to 700 G in spite of the action of ion drag. In addition, the dependence of self-rotation velocity on gas pressure in the discharge when the particles are in the dust trap and on power deposited into the discharge has been measured for the first time. Experimental data correlate well with the developed model of dust particle self-rotation, which appears to maintain the stationary charge of the dust particle.