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O: Fachverband Oberflächenphysik

O 19: Vacuum Science & Technology: Theory and Applications – Poster

O 19.4: Poster

Montag, 9. März 2026, 18:00–20:00, P2

Analysis of the charge distribution of an insulating sphere in contact electrification processes — •Andre Mölleken, Hermann Nienhaus, and Rolf Möller — Experimental Physics, University of Duisburg-Essen and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE)

While the mechanisms of contact electrification between metals are well established, non-conductive materials present a more complex scenario due to the emergence of nonuniform surface charge distributions. This study investigates how such charge inhomogeneities on an insulating sphere like Al2O3 or quartz influence the subsequent charge transfer during contact with a planar metal or insulator electrode. We employ a redesigned experimental setup based on an established parallel-plate capacitor concept [1], enabling high-temporal-resolution measurements of induced and transferred charges as the sphere bounces on the lower electrode. By decomposing the measured signal into monopole and dipole components, we extract the net charge, quantify the dipole moment of the surface charge distribution, and determine the rotational frequency of the bouncing sphere. This approach reveals how initial charge patterns evolve dynamically and modulate the efficiency and direction of charge transfer upon impact. The new setup allows controlled manipulation of the sphere's initial surface charge distribution prior to each experiment. The results offer a novel way to study how the charge distribution on the surface influences the contact electrification process. [1] M. Kaponig, A. Mölleken, H. Nienhaus, R. Möller, Dynamics of contact electrification, Sci. Adv. 2021, 7 (22), eabg7595.

Keywords: Contact electrification; Triboelectricity; Charge transfer