Removal of Lunar Dust Simulant from Cold Dielectric Surfaces with Electron Beam

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that lunar dust simulant can be efficiently lofted and removed from various room temperature surfaces in vacuum when exposed to a low-energy electron beam. This provides a potential solution to the well-known dust risks associated with future lunar exploration. Considering its application in extremely cold regions on the Moon, we experimentally demonstrated dust lofting from surfaces at temperatures as low as -123degC using an electron beam. Compared to room temperature applications, we found that the dust lofting from a glass surface slows down significantly at lower temperatures. Possible reasons are discussed. We also found that the dust lofting process can be accelerated when the electron beam energy is swept within an optimal range and rate.