Discharge modes at the anode of a vacuum arc
Abstract
The two most common anode modes in a vacuum arc which are the low current mode, where the anode is basically inert and the high current mode with a fully developed anode spot are discussed. 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. Other anode modes, however do exist. A low current vacuum arc with electrodes of readily sputterable material will emit a flux of sputtered atoms from the anode and an intermediate current and anode footpoint can form. This footpoint is luminous, but much cooler than a true anode spot. A high current mode exists where several small anode spots are present instead of a single large anode spot.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- August 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982STIN...8313368M
- Keywords:
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- Anodes;
- Electric Arcs;
- Electric Discharges;
- Sputtering;
- Electric Current;
- Electrodes;
- Electron Bombardment;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering