The effect of the ambient plasma conditions on the variation of charge on dust grains.

An experimental study has been performed into the variation of charge on dust grains with change in the ambient plasma conditions. A dust beam containing submicron sized silver grains was passed through plasma. The dust grains were charged by the plasma particles as well as by primary electrons from the filament. An increase in the filament current increased both the plasma density and the number density of the primary electrons. The grain charge was found out both from the deflection of the dust grains and also from the floating potential. The experimental observations shows that the secondary emission caused by the primary electrons significantly influenced and played a prominent role in the establishment of charge on the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]