ScholarLens Back to search
1958•Physical ReviewRequires access

Emission Mechanism of Cold-Cathode Arcs

K. G. Hernqvist

Open publisher page 14 citations

Abstract

A new theory for the electron emission mechanism of cold-cathode arcs is proposed in which excited atoms play a predominant role as a source for ion generation in the vicinity of the cathode surface. The processes of resonance ionization of excited atoms at the cathode surface and of ionization of excited atoms in the strong electric field at the cathode surface are considered.Special emphasis is given to the dispersed (or $D$-type) arc which operates with a relatively low emission current density. An analysis of the $D$ type of arc is given based on the proposed theory. Recent studies of this arc are shown to corroborate the theory.The rapid decrease of electron plasma temperature and population of excited atoms during arc-current interruption offer an explanation for the short extinguishing time of cold-cathode arcs.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

A new theory for the electron emission mechanism of cold-cathode arcs is proposed in which excited atoms play a predominant role as a source for ion generation in the vicinity of the cathode surface. The processes of resonance ionization of excited atoms at the cathode surface and of ionization of excited atoms in the strong electric field at the cathode surface are considered.Special emphasis is given to the dispersed (or $D$-type) arc which operates with a relatively low emission current density. An analysis of the $D$ type of arc is given based on the proposed theory. Recent studies of this arc are shown to corroborate the theory.The rapid decrease of electron plasma temperature and population of excited atoms during arc-current interruption offer an explanation for the short extinguishing time of cold-cathode arcs.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 14 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

A new theory for the electron emission mechanism of cold-cathode arcs is proposed in which excited atoms play a predominant role as a source for ion generation in the vicinity of the cathode surface. The processes of resonance ionization of excited atoms at the cathode surface and of ionization of excited atoms in the strong electric field at the cathode surface are considered.Special emphasis is given to the dispersed (or $D$-type) arc which operates with a relatively low emission current density. An analysis of the $D$ type of arc is given based on the proposed theory. Recent studies of this arc are shown to corroborate the theory.The rapid decrease of electron plasma temperature and population of excited atoms during arc-current interruption offer an explanation for the short extinguishing time of cold-cathode arcs.

Key concepts: Cathode, Atomic physics, Excited state, Ionization, Electron, Cold cathode, Materials science, Arc (geometry)

Related papers

Related paper 1Related paper 2Related paper 3
Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Emission Mechanism of Cold-Cathode Arcs — Research Paper | ScholarLens