Surface contaminant characterization using potential-current curves
Abstract
Potential-current curves were investigated for the characterization of contaminants on electrical contact surfaces. Pronounced leveling of the potential (decreasing contact resistance) occurs as the junction temperature is raised through the melting temperature of the contaminants. Thus the characteristics shape of potential-current curves may be used to distinguish between low and high melting organic contaminants and between these and oxides or refractory particles. This in situ diagnostic test has found recent industrial application in the manufacture of sensitive switches.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- November 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976STIN...7727314C
- Keywords:
-
- Contact Potentials;
- Contaminants;
- Electric Contacts;
- Metal Surfaces;
- Surface Properties;
- Current Density;
- Electric Switches;
- Melting Points;
- Refractory Materials;
- Temperature Effects;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering