Experimental Investigation of Anode Activities in High-Current Vacuum Arcs

It is well known that the melting of electrodes (mainly anode melting) in vacuum arc can increase the metal vapor density around current zero and even lead to interruption failure. In order to clarify the anode activities and their influence on arc appearance and interruption capacity, series experiments of cup-shaped axial magnetic field copper electrodes were conducted. Obvious anode melting was detected; the liquid copper flowed on the contact plate of anode and formed a clockwise swirl flow. The appearance of anode melting is likely to correlate to the transition of arc mode from high-current diffuse mode to high-current diffuse column mode. The melting of anode was severer than cathode and was influenced by the distribution of cathode spots. Various kinds of copper particles at macroscopic level can be seen in arc column. Even at the interruption limit, the majority of melted copper of anode sputtered out of gap in form of liquid droplets or was pressed into the cup of anode, the copper vapor evaporated into arc column only accounted for a few portion and no obvious anode jets was found due to large plasma pressure in arc column.      

On the formation of the anode space of a short-time high-intensity electric discharge

The formation of the anode region was studied by a new method. Stratified electrodes permitted the magnitude of the thermal flow to the electrodes to be changed while keeping the anode material the same, and thus a distinction could be made between the influence of the properties of the electrode material and that of the composition of the plasma on the contraction. The experimental results proved the dependence of the formation of the anode region on the physicalthermal properties of the anode material and confirm the author's earlier hypothesis on the causes of contraction. They also explain some of the other effects connected with the formation of a discharge, such as the change in contraction with time, and with the motion of electrodes.In conclusion the author would like to thank J. Chudoba and B. Grycz for valuable remarks.     

Small-Scale Anode Activity in Vacuum Arcs

Coordinated high-speed movies, streak photographs, and voltage/current oscillograms have been taken for vacuum arcs on copper-based electrodes at peak currents up to 70 kA in half-cycle pulses. These results show that small-scale transient luminous anode-spot activity is associated with the strong voltage noise that precedes the establishment of the conventional large anode spots. The characteristic dimensions of the small-scale spots go below a millimeter, and may be less than 100 ?m. Unlike cathode spots of that size, these small anode spots always move in the I × B direction. This small-scale activity is especially pronounced in experimental systems initially containing surface films of volatile matter. Good correlations have been established between bursts of anode light and corresponding bursts of arc voltage noise, both of which appear to be associated with variations in the small luminous structures. The practical importance of the small transient luminous anode activity reported here is in its clear tendency to advance the formation of electrode jets, particularly under experimental conditions favoring the evolution of gas or vapor from anode surfaces. It has theoretical significance as a precursor to the formation of the usual large anode spots and jets, and as a possible source of structure within large anode spots.     

Photographic appearance of high-current vacuum arcs prior to and during anode spot formation

This article presents the results of research on the photographic appearance of a highcurrent vacuum arc between butt type copper electrodes a of 30–80 mm diameter and a fixed gap of 10 mm. Current pulses of up to 30 kA peak amplitude at an initial value of (di/dt)₀ from 1–10kA/ms and a duration of approximately 14 ms were applied. Arcs were photographed with a high-speed framing camera, mostly at 10⁴ frames/s. A detailed study of discharge modes in phase transition from a high-current diffuse arc to a constricted arc with an anode spot was conducted. Most of the measurements were obtained at a peak current slightly in excess of 10 kA for electrodes of 55 mm diameter. It was found that at peak current exceeding moderately the threshold value of the onset of anode spot formation, the arc is characterized by the following main features: the formation of an anode spot and an anode plasma jet occurs concurrently with a local concentration of cathode spots; the anode spot is, most often, formed on the electrode edge; the coexistence of very varied structures of spots on the cathode; the lack of considerable constriction of the cathode discharge; the pseudo-periodic shrinking and expansion of the area occupied by cathode spots; the existence of a relatively dark space separates the anode plasma jet from the plasma sheath near the cathode surface; the plasma space distribution in the interelectrode gap is non-uniform and non-stationary.This work was supported by State Committee for Scientific Research within the research project No. 3 P40101507.     

Microfluidic mixing using periodically induced secondary potential in electroosmotic flow

This research develops a novel microfluidic mixing in a simple manner: An electrode was installed between two primary electrodes that generate DC fields and induce electroosmotic flow (EOF). While EOF was introduced by DC fields from the two primary electrodes, the active mixing could be achieved if potential was supplied to the secondary anode. Normal EOF was recovered as soon as the supply of potential to the secondary anode was terminated. By periodically repeating the on/off phase of the driving potential to the secondary anode, oscillating and vortex swirling flow patterns occurred and vigorous and efficient mixing was obtained.     

Discharge Modes at the Anode of a Vacuum Arc

Five possible discharge modes can exist at the anode of a vacuum arc. The two most common anode modes are a low current mode, where the anode is basically inert; and a high current mode with a fully developed anode spot. This anode spot is very bright, has a temperature near the boiling point of the anode material, and is a copious source of vapor and energetic ions. Three additional anode modes can occur in appropriate circumstances. A low current vacuum arc with electrodes of readily sputterable material will emit a flux of sputtered atoms from the anode. At intermediate currents, an anode footpoint can form. This footpoint is luminous, but much cooler than a true anode spot. Finally, a high current mode can exist where several small anode spots are present instead of a single large anode spot.     

The Current Distribution and the Magnetic Pressure Profile in a Vacuum Arc Subject to an Axial Magnetic Field

The steady-state electric-current distribution and the magnetic pressure in a uniform conducting medium, flowing in a cylindrical configuration between two circular electrodes, was determined by solving the magnetic field transport equation with a superimposed axial magnetic field. This medium models the interelectrode plasma of the diffuse mode metal vapor vacuum arc. The results show the following. a) The electric current and the flux of the poloidal magnetic field are constricted at the anode side of the flowing plasma. Most of the constriction takes place within a boundary layer, with a characteristic length of 1/Rme, where Rme is the magnetic-Reynolds number for axial electron flow. b) The electric-current constriction inversely depends on K?, where K? is the azimuthal surface current density which produces the axial magnetic field. c) The magnetic-pressure profile shows a radial pinch force in most of the interelectrode region, but in the anode boundary layer it is axially directed, thus retarding the plasma flow. d) The peak of the magnetic pressure is at the anode, and its amplitude directly depends on K?. As K? increases, the peak location moves toward the anode center.     

Anode Phenomena in Vacuum and Atmospheric Pressure Arcs

This paper summarizes recent experimental data related to anode phenomena in both vacuum and atmospheric pressure arcs. Currents in the range 10A to 3OkA are discussed, and particular emphasis is placed on the effect of plasma flow from the cathode. For vacuum arcs this plasma flow is the directed motion of metal ions from the cathode spots. These ions reduce the anode voltage drop, and maintain a diffuse anode termination. At atmospheric pressure the ion flow is impeded by gas-atom collisions. However, a plasma flow towards the anode can result from magnetic pinch forces at the constricted cathode termination. In the absence of plasma flow, the anode termination constricts to a vigorously evaporating anode spot. For a typical non-refractory electrode such as copper, the spot operates at a temperature close to the boiling point irrespective of the gas pressure. The spot temperature is dictated by the balance between electrical input power and evaporative losses. These anode phenomena are discussed in relation to vacuum switchgear, arc welding and arc furnaces.     

Anode-Spot Formation and Motion of Vacuum Arcs

This paper reports about experimental investigations on high-current vacuum-arc phenomena, especially anode-spot formation, arc states, and motion. The presented work was stimulated by lack of information about the transition process from the diffuse low-current mode to the high-current mode characterized by anode spot(s). Optoelectronic measurements, streak photographs, high-speed movies, and correlated arc voltage/current records yielded remarkable results on power-frequency vacuum arcs. Three different high-current vacuum arc modes can be observed beyond a certain threshold current. Which mode appears depends mainly on the momentary electrode distance. The modes are characterized by different anode-spot behavior and interelectrode phenomena. The transition between different arc modes is continuous. The arc modes observed on ring electrodes producing a magnetic blast field are the same as those appearing on butt-type electrodes. Anode-spot formation is preceded by congregations of cathode spots and may be initiated by thermal overload of the anode surface opposite to these cathode-spot clusters.     

Beam-plasma mechanism for anode plasma generation in a low-pressure two-stage self-sustained discharge with a cold hollow cathode

Results are presented from experimental studies of the anode region of a low-pressure two-stage self-sustained discharge with a closed cold hollow cathode. It is shown that applying an external longitudinal magnetic field promotes the generation of a dense anode plasma, whereas the transverse field impedes this generation. It is established that the beam-plasma mechanism for plasma generation plays a dominant role in the anode region of the discharge. The geometry of the electrodes of the gas-discharge chamber is optimized.     

Vacuum Arc Anode Phenomena

This paper briefly reviews anode phenomena in vacuum arcs, specially experimental work. It discusses, in succession, arc modes at the anode, anode temperature measurements, anode ions, transitions of the arc into various modes (principally the anode spot mode), and theoretical explanations of anode phenomena. The two most common anode modes in a vacuum arc are a low current mode where the anode is basically passive, acting only as a collector of particles emitted from the cathode, and a high current mode with a fully developed anode spot. Characteristically this anode spot has a temperature near the atmospheric boiling point of the anode material and is a copious source of vapor and energetic ions. However, other anode modes can exist. A low current vacuum arc with electrodes of readily sputterable material may emit a flux of sputtered atoms from the anode. Usually this sputtered flux will have little effect upon the vacuum arc, but in certain circumstances it could be significant. A vacuum arc doesn't always transfer directly from a low current mode to the anode spot mode. In appropriate experimental conditions, formation of an anode spot may be preceded by the formation of an anode footpoint. This footpoint is luminous, but much cooler than a true anode spot. Finally, (again in appropriate circumstances) several small anode spots may form instead of one large anode spot. With sufficient increase in arc current or arcing time these will usually combine to form a single large active spot.     

Role of the near-electrode regions in the formation of the volume discharge heterogeneity in nitrogen in the pin-to-plane configuration

The development of streamers and sparks in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure in the pin-to-plane electrode configuration is studied in experiments and theoretical calculations. It is demonstrated that the near-electrode regions play the decisive role in streamer initiation. At a negative pin voltage, a spark is formed in the absence of fast primary streamers. At a positive pin voltage, streamer build-up is initiated by the current spots on the anode that result from the development of the ionization instabilities in the anode region. The calculations show that the formation of the current spot on the anode leads to a redistribution of the electric field in the vicinity of the anode, so that a single avalanche is transformed into a streamer under the conditions when the known criterion for streamer breakdown (the Meek-Raether criterion) is not satisfied. Original Text ? Astro, Ltd., 2006.     

A Review of Anode Phenomena in Vacuum Arcs

This paper discusses arc modes at the anode, anode temperature measurments, anode ions, transitions of the arc into various modes (principally the anode-spot mode), and theoretical explanations of anode phenomena. A vacuum arc can exhibit five anode discharge modes: 1) a low-current mode in which the anode is basically passive, acting only as a collector of particles emitted from the cathode; 2) a second low-current mode that can occur if the electrode material is readily sputtered (a flux of sputtered atoms will be emitted by the anode); 3) a footpoint mode, characterized by the appearance of one or more luminous spots on the anode (footpoints are much cooler than the true anode spots present in the last two modes); 4) an anode-spot mode in which one large or several small anode spots are present (such spots are very luminous, have a temperature near the atmospheric boiling point of the anode material, and are a copious source of vapor and ions); and 5) an intense-arc mode where an anode spot is present, but accompanied by severe cathode erosion. The arc voltage is relatively low and quiet in the two low-current modes and the intense-arc mode. It is usually high and noisy in the footpoint mode, and it can be either in the anode-spot mode. Anode erosion is low, indeed negative, in the two low-current modes, and it is low to moderate in the footpoint mode. Severe anode erosion occurs in both the anode-spot and intense-arc modes.     

Momentum interchange between cathode-spot plasma jets andbackground gases and vapors and its implications on vacuum-arcanode-spot development

Expressions are developed for the momentum flux density in collimated and expanding cathode-spot plasma jets by multiplying the ion flux density by the momentum carried by individual ions. Cathode spots placed in gas background produce a hemispherical metal-vapor plasma region whose radius can be predicted by equating the plasma-jet momentum flux density with the background gas pressure. In hot anode vacuum arcs and in anode-spot vacuum arcs a vapor plume from the anode expands into the cathodic plasma. Significant expansion occurs when the anodic vapor pressure becomes comparable to the cathodic momentum flux density     

A Review of Anode Phenomena in Vacuum Arcs

This paper discusses are modes at the anode, experimental results pertinent to anode phenomena, and theoretical explanations of anode phenomena. A vacuum are can exhibit five anode discharge modes: (1) a low current mode in which the anode is basically passive, acting only as a collector of particles emitted from the cathode; (2) a second low current mode that can occur if the electrode material is readily sputtered (a flux of sputtered atoms will be emitted by the anode); (3) a footpoint mode, characterized by the appearance of one or more small luminous spots on the anode (footpoints are generally much cooler than the true anode spots present in the last two modes); (4) an anode spot mode in which one large or several small anode spots are present (such spots are very luminous, have a temperature near the atmospheric boiling point of the anode material, and are a copious source of vapor and ions); and (5) an intense are mode where an anode spot is present, but accompanied by severe cathode erosion. The are voltage is relatively low and quiet in the two low current modes and the intense are mode. It is usually high and noisy in the footpoint mode, and it can be either in the anode spot mode. Anode erosion is low, indeed negative, in the two low current modes, and it is low to moderate in the footpoint mode. Severe anode erosion occurs in both the anode spot and intense are modes. The dominant mechanism controlling the formation of an anode spot appears to depend upon the electrode geometry, the electrode material, and the current waveform of the particular vacuum are being considered. In specific experimental conditions, either magnetic constriction in the gap plasma, or gross anode melting, or local anode evaporation can trigger the transition. However, the most probable explanation of anode spot formation is a combination theory, which considers magnetic constriction in the plasma together with the fluxes of material from the anode and cathode as well as the thermal, electrical, and geometric effects of the anode in analyzing the behavior of the anode and the nearby plasma.     

Vernier阳极设计与成像模拟

光子计数成像探测器作为探测微弱光的重要手段,由微通道板,解码阳极以及后续的读出电路组成,其中解码阳极的性能直接影响着探测器的成像质量。作为一种电荷分割型阳极,Vernier阳极利用周期性的正弦电极区域替代了楔条形阳极(WSA)的线性电极,可获得高的成像分辨率和大的电极活动区域。根据Vernier阳极的设计原理对Vernier阳极进行了仿真和设计,首先,介绍了矢量形式的阳极解码,确定了阳极设计参量为阳极周期长度,电极振幅及电极波长;其次,分析了各阳极设计参量对探测器成像的影响,利用Labview软件分别模拟了电子云,Vernier阳极板以及其相互作用成像情况,确定了Vernier阳极周期长度与粗调波长之间的关系以及设计参数一定时,成像达到最佳的电子云大小,依照模拟结果和实际的加工条件,设计和制备了周期为891 μm,绝缘沟道为25 μm,振幅为50 μm,粗调数为5的九路Vernier阳极。     

Improving Li-ion battery charge rate acceptance through highly ordered hierarchical electrode design

In Li-ion technology, increasing electrode loading (thickness) is one approach to improve performance; however, this approach typically compromises power density and safety. To achieve the goal of decoupling energy and power density, a novel electrode architecture is proposed. The electrode design enhances uniform ionic current, especially in thick electrodes. A highly ordered and hierarchical (HOH) graphite anode concept was designed, fabricated, and tested for efficacy. The HOH electrodes consisted of ordered arrays of macro-scale line-of-sight linear channels made through laser ablation. SEM and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that laser ablation is a feasible approach to fabricate HOH electrodes without affecting the graphite anode chemistry, respectively. A 65–120% improvement in charge rate acceptance (5.5 mAh/cm²) was achieved in the HOH electrodes compared to conventional electrodes. A restricted diffusion direct current polarization test determined that the HOH design improved ionic flow throughout porous electrodes. Altogether, the results of this study suggest that improved charge rate acceptance can be achieved by engineering electrode porosity to mitigate the effects of concentration polarization in high energy density graphite anodes. These findings can facilitate the development of higher energy and power density Li-ion batteries, while improving resilience against Li plating under severe charge conditions.     

The strontium-vapor laser pumping efficiency under running-wave excitation

The effect of the design features of the gas-discharge tube on the processes proceeding in the discharge circuit of a metal-vapor laser has been investigated. The position of electrodes in the gas-discharge tube has been found to significantly affect the processes at work in the discharge circuit and the energy characteristics of the laser. For instance, gas-discharge tubes with electrodes placed in the hot region of the discharge channel are typified by high metastable-population rates at the leading edge of the excitation pulse, whereas with electrodes positioned in cold buffer regions, the leading edge of the voltage pulse across the resistive component of the tube impedance is seen to peak. Conditions for running-wave generation in the active media of lasers on self-terminated transitions of metal atoms and the running-wave use efficiency for laser pumping are discussed, considering a strontium-vapor laser as an illustration. It is shown that the running wave is generated as the result of the breakdown in the anode end of the gas-discharge tube and is maintained by the energy stored in the capacitive component of the impedance of the gas-discharge tube. The lasing pulse duration under running-wave excitation corresponds to the time it takes an ionization wave to propagate from the anode to the cathode of the gas-discharge tube, with pumping efficiency being ~6–8% for a strontium-vapor laser. The average lasing power varies within 10–15% depending on whether the totally reflecting cavity mirror is placed near the anode or the cathode of the tube. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 12, pp. 79–87, December, 2008.     

ARC Ignition Phenomena with a Transpiration Cooled Anode

This paper deals with the problem of ignition to the porous transpiration cooled anode of an arc in 1 atm. argon. This was observed for both porous graphite and sintered porous tungsten anodes, in the latter case causing melt spots to form which limited the useful life of the anode. A study was undertaken to overcome this problem in which the transient behavior of the arc current, voltage, anode surface area coverage and gas flow rate of transpiration gas was observed by high speed electronics and cinematography during the ignition period. From these data a computation of the anode current density vs. time showed abnormally high values during the first second or two following ignition; e.g. 1000 amps/cm2 averaged over the first second for a steady state arc current of 70 amps. The damage was attributed to excessive thermal loading during the arc growth period and eliminated by means of a properly control led ignition sequence.     

脉冲条件下绝缘介质气体沿面闪络发光特征

对大气环境中脉冲电压加载下绝缘介质沿面闪络放电开展了初步放电图像诊断研究。采用超高速可见光分幅相机诊断指状电极结构下有机玻璃材料在大气环境中不同时刻闪络通道发光图像特征。实验结果表明:闪络通道形成和扩张阶段中，阴极区域和阳极区域均产生放电发光，放电通道沿固体电介质表面快速贯穿，贯穿时间约15 ns，贯穿后发光通道逐渐扩张至一定区域，发光强度大，维持时间长，整体发光时间可持续到μs量级，放电通道内能量分布有所差异。