Beschreibung:
<jats:p>We report a strong size-selective effect of the non-uniform external electric field on unitary charged nanoparticles in a residual dusty plasma generated by spark discharge. It has been found that the field influences the outcome particle size distribution function considerably by expelling smaller particles out of the residual plasma cloud so that they cannot neutralize or agglomerate. Meantime, larger particles being dragged by the plasma cloud neutralize and disappear at walls; therefore, the particle size distribution function shifts to small sizes. We give a simple theory explaining the field effect and suggest its application for a patterning technique.</jats:p>