| A laboratory experiment has been developed to study the microphysics of a single dust particle and the interaction of these dust particles with energetic electron beams. The purpose of this experiment is to provide a better understanding of single charged particle characteristics and dust particle-electron interactions which are observed in different space environments, such as planetary rings and comet tails.;In order to study one charged particle at a time, a technique called electrodynamic suspension of particles is employed which consists of a scaled quadrople trap. Using this technique, particle characteristics such as the diameter, number of electrons on the particle, and the potential are determined. Once the particle is suspended in the trap and under vacuum, it is then subjected to an electron beam. The charge is measured to determine an equilibrium potential, if any, as well as approximate a charge/discharge current. |
