Chopping effect observed at cathodic arc initiation

Chopping of current and induction of high-voltage spikes has been observed at the rising edge of cathodic vacuum arcs. It is argued that current chopping at the rising edge is similar to the current chopping effect that is well known for the arc current approaching current-zero. Current chopping can generate high-voltage spikes, and thus, cathodic arc equipment should be protected against voltage spikes that exceed the system's nominal voltage by an order of magnitude.