Non-linear sheaths with dust particles

Abstract

Computer modeling of sheaths with dust particles, performed by means of the modified PIC method with self-consistent dust particle charge as well as electron and ion velocity distribution functions, show that dust particles can strongly influence the properties of these sheaths. This influence is caused by a selective collection and a scattering of electrons and ions by dust particles with self-consistent electric charge. Dust particles can strongly change an ion flux so that this flux is not constant in the sheath. That causes a change of both the well-known Bohms criterion on the sheath boundary and the other sheath parameter distributions.