Spectroscopic Analysis of the Effect of Magnetic Field on Low Current DC Vacuum Arc Plasma

Abstract

AbstractEffects of a magnetic field on the characteristics of a low‐current DC vacuum arc plasma of less than 30 A were examined by arranging the electrodes in a straight line or perpendicularly. Two types of magnetic fields were applied to the gap by embedding a small column magnet inside the electrode and arranging a disc magnet at the back side of the electrode. The arc plasma forms a column depending on the magnetic field distribution and an anode spot is generated under strong magnetic field on the anode side. Spectroscopic analysis of emissions from cathode and anode showed that the cathode metal ions arrive at the anode and the anode metal ions arrive at the cathode along the magnetic field, but neutrals are not guided by the magnetic field and only a small part of the neutrals arrive at the opposite electrode in the perpendicular arrangement. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.