Correlation between cathode properties, burning voltage, and plasma parameters of vacuum arcs
Burning voltages of vacuum arcs were measured for 54 cathode materials and compared with literature data. As anticipated, a correlation between the arc burning voltage and the plasma temperature was found. However, more importantly, a correlation between the cohesive energy of the cathode material and the arc burning voltage could be demonstrated. This link between a cathode material property, the cohesive energy, and a discharge property, the arc burning voltage, is essential for the operation of the vacuum arc discharge because is determines the plasma temperature. Energy balance considerations show that this {open_quotes}cohesive energy rule{close_quotes} is responsible for several other secondary relationships, such as the correlation between the mean ion charge state and the boiling temperature of the cathode. {copyright} 2001 American Institute of Physics.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40204178
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 89, Issue 12; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1371276; Othernumber: JAPIAU000089000012007764000001; 052112JAP; PBD: 15 Jun 2001; ISSN 0021-8979
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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