Cathode spot stochastic model

A cathode spot periodic regeneration model was developed. The model can be useful to explain the arc discharge with current which is close to threshold values. The spot is considered as an emission center group. The spot generation and vanishing process is supposed as stochastic events. It is permitted to theoretically obtain: (1) arc number distribution (for arc life is greater than definite time); and (2) average arc lifetime dependence on discharge current. Moreover, a spot lifetime determination method was developed. The method is based on statistical manipulation with currents and average arc lifetime data. Calculated values are in good agreement with experimental results.