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Radiation induced Rotation of Interplanetary Dust Particles; a Feasibility Study for a Space Experiment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 August 2015

Keith F. Ratcliff
Affiliation:
Space Astronomy Laboratory, State University of N. Y. at Albany, Albany, N. Y. 12203
Nebil Y. Misconi
Affiliation:
Space Astronomy Laboratory, State University of N. Y. at Albany, Albany, N. Y. 12203
Stephen J. Paddack
Affiliation:
Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md. 20771

Abstract

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Irregular interplanetary dust particles may acquire a considerable spin rate due to two non-statistical dynamical mechanisms induced by solar radiation. These arise from variations in surface albedo as discussed by Radzievskii (1954) and from irregularities in surface geometry as discussed by Paddack (1969). We report on an experiment which will lead to an evaluation in space of the effectiveness of these two spin mechanisms. We utilize the technique of optical levitation in an argon laser beam to provide a stable trap for particles (10-60 microns in diameter). The spin rate and direction of the spin axis are measured in a straightforward manner. The objective is to design an optical trap for dielectric particles in vacuum which can be used to study these rotation mechanisms in the gravity-free environment of a Spacelab experiment.

Type
IV: The Interplanetary Dust Complex 2. Physical Properties
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1980 

References

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