Abstract
A power supply for “triggerless,” repetitively pulsed cathodic arcs has been developed. It is based on a thyristor-switched, high-voltage, high-current, pulse-forming network (PFN). It can provide high pulsed currents (up to 2 kA), with duration of 600 μs, and pulse repetition rate of up to 10 Hz. Higher repetition rates are possible at lower current. The rectangular pulse shape and amplitude are reproducible to within a few percent. Cathodic arc initiation is extremely reliable because the charging voltage is much higher than the minimum starting voltage for the triggerless arc initiation method. The energy utilization efficiency is very high by intentionally mismatching load and PFN impedances and by using an efficiency-enhancing diode; the stored energy is dissipated primarily in the arc.
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