Time resolved spectroscopic studies of a FXR discharge

Time resolved spectroscopic studies of some electrode material lines and an impurity line have been performed in a flash X-ray (FXR) discharge. The results indicate that the breakdown takes place in impurities and adsorbed gases released from the electrodes. Thereafter, a front of anode material propagating with a velocity of (1–2)×10⁶ cm/sec moves towards the cathode. A cloud of cathode material is localized outside the cathode during an early stage of the discharge. The anode front and the cathode cloud penetrate each other after current maximum and a “metallic arc” is formed between the electrodes