The total ion current in the radially expanded plasma of a hot refractory anode vacuum arc (HRAVA) was found to be larger than that measured in the conventional cathodic vacuum arc. The total ion current fraction increased during the transition from the initial cathode spot stage to the HRAVA stage. While the is independent of arc current in the range of and other arcing conditions in conventional arcs, the fraction increased with arc current in this current range in the HRAVA. The ion current fraction was found to be 50% larger for a HRAVA than the maximal value obtained previously in conventional cathodic arcs.
© 2006 American Institute of Physics.
2006
American Institute of Physics
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