Diameters and Velocities of Droplets Emitted from the Cu Cathode of a Vacuum Arc

Peter Siemroth, Michael Laux, Heinz Pursch, Jurgen Sachtleben, Martin Balden, Volker Rohde, Rudolf Neu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cathode spots of vacuum arcs emit cathode material in the form of plasma as well as droplets. Generated by arcs burning at the first wall of fusion devices the droplets may effectively contaminate the fusion plasma. Essential characteristics of the droplets (diameter, velocity, and emission direction) and their interrelations are poorly known so far. In the present paper, a new approach of optical droplet investigation is presented. Generated by a pulsed vacuum arc, the droplets fly vertically inside a drift tube against gravity finally passing a light beam. The time-of-flight and the detected scattered light allow a simultaneous determination of droplet velocity and size. Different solid angle directions have been realized by rotating the cathode with respect to the flight tube axis. Using this technique the sizes and velocities of droplets emitted from a Cu cathode into different directions were obtained.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationISDEIV 2018 - Proceedings of the 28th International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages325-328
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781538643730
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Nov 2018
Event28th International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, ISDEIV 2018 - Greifswald, Germany
Duration: 23 Sep 201828 Sep 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, ISDEIV
Volume1
ISSN (Print)1093-2941

Conference

Conference28th International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, ISDEIV 2018
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityGreifswald
Period23/09/1828/09/18

Keywords

  • droplet velocities
  • light scattering
  • vacuum arc

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