[en] Multiple and constricted arc-anode attachment modes were observed in helium arc discharge to prepare nickel nanoparticles. The electron overheating instability resulted in the formation of multiple attachment modes. The effects of hydrogen concentration and shield gas flow rate on the characteristics of nickel nanoparticles were investigated. The evaporation rate of anode material contributed to forming different arc-anode attachments. The surface temperature of the electrode was measured during the arc discharge by two-color pyrometry combined with a high-speed camera which employs appropriate band-pass filters. The relationship between the arc-anode attachment mode and the temperature behavior of the anode surface was investigated by using two synchronized high-speed cameras. The waveform of anode jet area variation with time follows that of the highest temperature variation of anode surface with time. The fluctuation of the highest anode temperature increased when the arc anode attachment changed from multiple into constricted mode. The highest temperature fluctuation and stability of the arc contributed to nanoparticle size distribution. Nickel nanoparticles with large productivity and narrow size distribution were obtained when shield gas was employed by controlling the residence time of nanoparticle growth. The formation mechanism of different arc-anode attachment modes was explained. (paper)