Long-life pulsed vacuum-arc plasma source

The design of a pulsed vacuum-arc plasma source with an ignition system based on dielectric surface breakdown is presented and the principle of its operation is described. In the engineered plasma source, a four-section anode is used along with an equal number of arc ignition sections. Additionally, separate power supply circuits are employed for both the main pulsed arc discharge and the arc ignition circuit. Independent operation of each section of this device is carried out, essentially constituting a combination of four pulsed plasma sources in one, the coordinated functioning of which is ensured by the control system. Practical tests of the pulsed plasma source have revealed its advantages as followed: a fourfold increase in the ignition system life-time; achieving uniform depletion of the cathode working surface; and, under specific conditions, enhancing the productivity of the plasma source. (author)