Discharge modes at the anode of a vacuum arc

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.1983.4316238· OSTI ID:5774020

Miller, H C

Five possible discharge modes can exist at the anode of a vacuum arc. The two most common anode modes are a low current mode, where the anode is basically inert; and a high current mode with a fully developed anode spot. This anode spot is very bright, has a temperature near the boiling point of the anode material, and is a copious source of vapor and energetic ions. Three additional anode modes can occur in appropriate circumstances. A low current vacuum arc with electrodes of readily sputterable material will emit a flux of sputtered atoms from the anode. At intermediate currents, an anode footpoint can form. This footpoint is luminous, but much cooler than a true anode spot. Finally, a high current mode can exist where several small anode spots are present instead of a single large anode spot. 24 references, 1 figure, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., St. Petersburg, FL
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00656
• OSTI ID: 5774020
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States) Vol. PS-11:3; ISSN ITPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640301 -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Beams & their Reactions
640420* -- Fluid Physics-- Properties & Structure of Fluids-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ANODES
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRODES
ION SOURCES
SPUTTERING