Handbook of Vacuum Arc Science & Technology

Part I: Fundamentals of Vacuum Arc Science and Technology

1. Electrical Discharges and Plasmas-A Brief Tutorial
Definitions and Purpose of the Chapter
Collision Processes
Collective Behavior
Conduction of Electrical Current
Magnetic Effects
Electrode Effects
Chapter Summary
References

2. Arc Ignition
Introduction
Field Emission
Insulator Enhanced Emission
Particle Effects
Main Insulator Considerations
Breakdown-to-Arc Transition
Arc Ignition from Low Voltage Sources
Laser Ignition
Hollow-Cathode Arc
Chapter Summary
References

3. Cathode Spots
Phenomenology
Theories of Cathode Spots
Chapter Summary
References

4. The Interelectrode Plasma
Introduction
The Multi-Cathode Spot Vacuum Arc
Experimental Characterization of the Interelectrode Plasma
The Interelectrode Plasma in an External Magnetic Field
The Interelectrode Plasma Model
Plasma-Macroparticles Interaction
Plasma and Current Interaction with a Magnetic Field
Summary and Conclusions
References

5. Anode Phenomena
Introduction
Anode Modes
Transitions Between Anode Modes
Theories and Models of Anode Phenomena

Part II: Applications of Vacuum Arc Science and Technology

6. Coatings From the Vacuum Arc
Vacuum Arc Deposition
Arc Source Designs
Rigid-Rotor Models of Plasma Flow
Film Growth
Applications of Arc-Deposited Coatings
Emerging Applications and New Opportunities with PVD Arc Sources

7. Vacuum Arc Metal Processing
Introduction
General Metallurgical Aspects of Vacuum Treatment
VAR Technology
Other Vacuum Arc Melting and Remelting Technologies
Comparison with Other Remelting Technologies
Summary and Conclusions
References

8. Vacuum Switching of High Current and High Voltage at Power Frequencies
Introduction to Power Switching
Fundamentals of Current Interruption
Construction of Vacuum Interrupters
Application of Vacuum Switchgear
References

9. Pulsed Power Applications
Introduction
Pulsed Power Concepts and Definitions
Vacuum Arcs as Switches
Vacuum Arcs as Loads
References
Nomenclature-by Subject
Nomenclature-Alphabetical
Index
About the Contributors