Discharge modes at the anode of a vacuum arc

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6437106

Miller, H C

The two most common anode modes in a vacuum arc are the low-current mode, where the anode is basically inert; and the 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. However, other anode modes can exist. 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.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., St. Petersburg, FL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00656
• OSTI ID: 6437106
• Report Number(s): GEPP-OP-659; CONF-821024-8; ON: DE83010323
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420800* -- Engineering-- Electronic Circuits & Devices-- (-1989)
ANODES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRODES
MEDIUM VACUUM
SPUTTERING
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE