Dynamics of macroparticles in a dusty plasma under microgravity conditions (first experiments on board the ISS)

The results of experimental investigation of macroparticle transport in the dusty plasma of a capacitive high-frequency discharge under microgravity conditions are considered. Experimental data were obtained for monodisperse polymer particles of radius a(p)=1.7 mum in a wide range of plasma parameters on the International Space Station. Analysis of macroparticle dynamics for a strongly nonideal dusty plasma, including diffusion and dust vortex formation processes, is carried out. (C) 2003 MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica.