The control of the spatial distribution of micrometer-sized dust particles in
capacitively coupled radio frequency discharges is relevant for research and
applications. Typically, dust particles in plasmas form a layer located at the
sheath edge adjacent to the bottom electrode. Here, a method of manipulating
this distribution by the application of a specific excitation waveform, i.e.
two consecutive harmonics, is discussed. Tuning the phase angle \theta between
the two harmonics allows to adjust the discharge symmetry via the Electrical
Asymmetry Effect (EAE). An adiabatic (continuous) phase shift leaves the dust
particles at an equilibrium position close to the lower sheath edge. Their
levitation can be correlated with the electric field profile. By applying an
abrupt phase shift the dust particles are transported between both sheaths
through the plasma bulk and partially reside at an equilibium position close to
the upper sheath edge. Hence, the potential profile in the bulk region is
probed by the dust particles providing indirect information on plasma
properties. The respective motion is understood by an analytical model, showing
both the limitations and possible ways of optimizing this sheath-to-sheath
transport. A classification of the transport depending on the change in the dc
self bias is provided, and the pressure dependence is discussed.Comment: 25 pages, 16 figure
