Plasma parameters and existence conditions of monolayer dust structures in the electrode sheath of an RF discharge

The plasma parameters in the electrode sheath of an RF discharge were studied experimentally under the conditions of dust monolayer levitation. A new method is proposed for determining the plasma parameters, such as the average electric field, ion density, and ion velocity. The screening parameter and the dust grain charge are estimated. The criteria of stable levitation of a dust monolayer are considered. The obtained results are compared with the available theoretical and numerical data, as well as with the results obtained using other diagnostic methods.