Potential of a moving test charge in a dusty plasma in the presence of grain size distribution and grain charging dynamics

Abstract

It is well known that the form of grain size distribution strongly influences the linear dielectric response of a dusty plasma. In previous results [IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 29, 182 (2001)], it was shown that for a class of size distributions, there is an equivalence to a Lorentzian distribution of mono-sized particles. The electrostatic response to a slowly moving test charge, using a second order approximation can then be found [Phys. Lett. A 305, 79 (2002)]. It is also well known [Phys. Plasmas 10, 3484 (2003)] that the dynamical charging of grains in a dusty plasma enhances the shielding of a test charge. It seems natural at this stage to seek the combined effects of grain size distribution and grain charging dynamics to a test charge moving through the dusty plasma. Here we consider the effects of both grain size distribution and dynamical grain charging to a test charge moving slowly in a dusty plasma by expressing the plasma dielectric response as a function of both grain size distribution and grain charging dynamics. Both analytical as well as the numerical results are presented. It is interesting to note that the previous results can be retrieved by choosing appropriate values for different parameters. This kind of study is relevant for both laboratory and space plasmas.