Discharge Modes at the Anode of a Vacuum Arc.

摘要

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. (ERA citation 08:030142)