Charge distribution function of negatively and positively charged plasma dust particles

Abstract

This chapter derives the charge distribution function (CDF) as a function of the discrete negative charge (the usual typical case) and as a function of the positive charge Z = +1; +2; …. Positively charged grains can be formed when secondary electron emission, that is, ionization of the grains by electron impact, is sufficiently important to change their charge. Secondary electron emission can strong influence CDF and <Z >. A similar sharp change of grain potential can be found in cases where the effect is analyzed using the classical electron and ion currents to the grain, that is, without investigation of CDF.