Brownian motion of a particle levitated in vacuum

Autor:	B. R. F. Kendall, L. D. Hinkle
Rok vydání:	1992
Předmět:	Physics Ultra-high vacuum Surfaces and Interfaces Mechanics Condensed Matter Physics Horizontal plane Surfaces Coatings and Films law.invention Classical mechanics Pressure measurement law Levitation Particle Restoring force Electric current Brownian motion
Zdroj:	Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films. 10:243-247
ISSN:	1520-8559 0734-2101
DOI:	10.1116/1.578143
Popis:	A glass microbubble (diameter ∼15 μm, wall 0.65 μm) was levitated in high vacuum by an actively controlled electric field. While held vertically, the particle moved freely in the horizontal plane under the influence of a central restoring force. The Brownian motion of the particle was observed and quantified by successive measurements of the oscillation amplitude in a horizontal axis. Brownian motion was exhibited throughout the pressure range from 7×10−6 to 7×10−4 Torr. The statistical behavior of the oscillation amplitude is consistent with the theoretical prediction for Brownian motion in a low pressure gas. These measurements constitute the first direct observation of Brownian motion of a levitated particle in an environment below 1 Torr. In addition to the experimental verification of low pressure Brownian motion theory, this work serves as an important step in the development of a standardizing high vacuum gauge.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
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