Use of Droplet Spots Burning for Decreasing of Droplet Fraction in Vacuum Arc Plasma

A method of cleaning of vacuum arc plasma from droplet fraction of cathode erosion by means of arrangement of conditions for igniting and operating of "droplet spots" has been proposed. Such conditions are realized at reflective arc discharge burning. The plasma of this discharge has substantially higher temperature and concentration of particles. The experiments performed have shown that, compared to usual vacuum arc, arc of reflective discharge provides multiple decrease of number of droplets, not evaporated on their way through plasma. The experiment results have been discussed in the term of heat exchange between droplets and surrounding plasma. The proposed method opens up new opportunities for cleaning of vacuum arc plasma from droplets