Dielectric particle lofting from dielectric substrate exposed to low energy electron beam

Abstract

The particle-in-cell simulation is applied to study a nanometer-sized dielectric particle lofting from a dielectric substrate exposed to a low energy electron beam. The article discusses the electron accumulation between such a substrate and a particle lying on it, that can cause a particle lofting. The results are of interest for dust mitigation in the semiconductor industry, the lunar exploration and the explanation of the dust levitation.