Momentum transfer cross-section for ion scattering on dust particles

Abstract

The momentum transfer cross-section for ion scattering on charged dust particles is calculated using different models of the interaction potential. The results are applied to estimate the ion drag force for typical conditions used in the experiments with complex (dusty) plasmas. The influence of two factors on the ion-dust collision cross section is discussed. The first is related to the nonlinear screening effects associated with the strong coupling between ions and dust particles. The second factor is the plasma absorption by dust particles. It is shown that the nonlinear screening effects are of importance and affect both the momentum transfer cross-section and the ion drag force. On the other hand, the absorption process affects the scattering momentum transfer crosssection only at low collision energies and thus can be neglected in estimating the ion drag force.