Review of switching arcs and plasma chemistry

Physical processes in switching arcs are considered in such applications as circuit interruption (in high pressure, high voltage gas blast circuit breakers and vacuum arc interrupters), fault current limiting (principally through vacuum arc devices), and pulse power systems (using vacuum arcs). The physics of arc heaters, associated with processes in the anode region, are described. Analytical models of (1) the current zero region and interrupter performance of gas blast interrupters and (2) the heat transfer mechanisms in the anode region of arc heaters, are discussed. Selected diagnostic techniques are presented. Applications of plasma chemistry involving the high pressure, equilibrium (thermal) plasma are noted. Low pressure (nonequilibrium) plasma processing is described through mechanisms associated with coating, deposition, and etching applications.