The physical processes occurring during recovery of a vacuum interrupter after high-current interruption are surveyed. New results have been obtained by the application of modern diagnostic techniques like laser shadow imaging, laser-induced fluorescence of atoms and of metal vapor ions, Mie scattering of droplets, and high-resolution recording of voltage and current on digital oscilloscopes. The density of metal vapor produced by the arc determines the kind of breakdown processes occurring after current zero. Liquid droplets and residual plasma play a minor role. The commonly used contact material, i.e., copper-chromium, is compared with pure copper, and its advantage is explained by the surface structure of the melt.
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