Theory of the lunar photoelectron atmosphere

<p>"By considering the mechanics of an electron projected into an arbitrary potential field together with Poisson's equation it is possible to set up a differential equation for the electrostatic potential. The equation may be integrated and the photoelectron density found as a function of height for four approximate models. A simple model based upon monoenergetic photons and monoenergetic electrons ejected vertically upward yields rough estimates of the parameters of interest. Another model takes into account the fact that the photoelectrons are ejected at all angles. A general model takes into account the illumination of the lunar surface by solar (black body) radiation and also the distribution in energy of the electrons ejected for each photon energy. An adiabatic gas model of the photoelectron atmosphere provides an independent check of the results.</p> <p>Assuming a metalic [sic] surface the electron density is of the order of 10⁴ electrons/cm³ at a half-height of the order of 1.5 cm above the lunar surface. The charge distribution produces an electrostatic force field capable of levitating particles of the order of 10^-14 gm"--Abstract, page iii.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D. in Physics

Grantor

University of Missouri at Rolla

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• McCloud, Hal Emerson, Jr.

• Physics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/441

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsmine.mst.edu:doctoral_dissertations-1443