Study of ion implanted arcing contacts

The study of arc on break is a useful tool for finding an optimum implanting technology to increase the reliability and lifetime of contacts. Argon ions or boron ions were implanted into AgMgNi contact material, and arc duration and erosion were measured. The results show that the arc duration and erosion are reduced as compared to unimplanted contacts. It is found that the ion implanted contacts have fast voltage transition from a metallic to a gaseous phase in break arcs. Auger and X-ray diffraction analysis show that the surfaces of ion implanted contacts have formed supersaturated solid solution and smaller crystalline grains which may affect the electrical properties of the contacts.<>