Radiation induced rotation of interplanetary dust particles - A feasibility study for a space experimentIrregular 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 discussed by Radzievskii (1954) and from irregularities in surface geometry discussed by Paddack (1969). An experiment is reported which will lead to an evaluation in space of the effectiveness of these two spin mechanisms. The technique of optical levitation in an argon laser beam provides a stable trap for particles 10-60 microns in diameter. The objective is to design an optical trap for dielectric particles in vacuum to study these rotation mechanisms in the gravity-free environment of a Spacelab experiment.
Document ID
19810043405
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ratcliff, K. F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Misconi, N. Y. (New York, State University Albany, N.Y., United States)
Paddack, S. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Solid particles in the solar system