Electromagnetic plasma rail accelerator for surface analysis and modification in solids

Abstract

In this study we investigate the possibility of using plasma rail accelerator as a dense plasma jet generator for scientific and technological purposes. It was found that plasma railgun can generate supersonic plasma jets, both pure and saturated with solid and liquid microparticles. Such jets can cause thermal and mechanical erosion of the target surface, sputtering material of the railgun channel and transferring it to the surface being treated. We studied working regimes of the plasma railgun. SEM and optical micrographs of the treated samples were obtained.