Effect of Asymmetry Induced by Staggered Angle on the Rectification of Dust Particles in a Dusty Plasma Ratchet

Converting random motion into directional motion of charged dust particles in plasma, i.e., the rectification, can be achieved by using a dusty plasma ratchet, in which the asymmetry of system plays a very important role. Here, we use different staggered angles between the inner and outer gears to control the asymmetry of system and further study experimentally the effect of the asymmetry induced by staggered angle on the rectification of dust particles in a dusty plasma ratchet. Our results show that the spatial distribution and the velocity of dust particles along the saw channel are nonuniform. Decreasing the asymmetry can reduce the flow of dust particle in the saw channel.