Arcing occurs when there is a discharge of electric current across a gap in a circuit, typically due to a breakdown in insulation or a high-voltage situation. The occurrence of arcing can be influenced by several factors, including the purity of the target material, the surface structure, the presence of dielectric particles, and the melting point of the target coating materials.
Materials with high melting points, such as Ti, Cr, and Ta, have a lower tendency to arc compared to materials with lower melting points like Al and Cu. This is because materials with lower melting points are more susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the electric field, which can cause them to melt and create a conductive path for the arc.
Arcing can also be initiated through thermionic emission or field electron emission when metal electrodes in a vacuum begin to emit electrons. Once initiated, a vacuum arc can persist as the freed particles gain kinetic energy from the electric field, leading to high-speed particle collisions that heat the metal surfaces and sustain the arc.
In addition to these factors, the gas pressure in the arc zone, the presence of an arc-stabilizing coil, and the relationship between arc voltage and arc length can also influence the stability of the arc. For instance, the arc is more stable at higher gas pressures, and the use of an arc-stabilizing coil can help maintain normal discharge by compressing the arc column and preventing it from scattering.
Furthermore, the length of the arc plays a crucial role in its stability. A shorter arc length results in a more significant change in arc voltage and current, while a longer arc length can lead to instability or straying of the arc. Therefore, controlling the arc length through the arc voltage is essential for stabilizing the arc.
In summary, arcing occurs due to a breakdown in insulation or a high-voltage situation, and its occurrence can be influenced by factors such as the purity of the target material, the surface structure, the presence of dielectric particles, the melting point of the target coating materials, the gas pressure in the arc zone, the presence of an arc-stabilizing coil, and the relationship between arc voltage and arc length.
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