Pulse erosion plasma injector for discharge initiating in electric arc generator of plasma

Pulse plasma injector (plasmatron) with power supply system, intended for arcs burning initiation in powerful plasma generators, and also for independent application in physical experiments, connected with obtaining dense plasma, and some branches of industrial technology, is described. Injector construction, physical processes taking place in the pulse discharge chamber, injected plasmoid velocity dependence on the pressure, current value and the other parameters of discharge chamber are described and analyzed. Injector´s operation capability (/spl ges/1000 pulses), working capability of electrodes (tungsten, brass, steel) and the other constructive materials are discussed. The following operation regime is presented: working currents diapason 5-7 kA; voltage 3-5 kV, pulse duration (1-2)x10/sup -2/ s. Powerful stationary arcs in helium at pressures up to 1.2 MPa and in nitrogen at pressures of 1.6 MPa are initiated using the injector.