Contribution of Non-equilibrium around Vacuum Arc Cathode Spot to Retro grade Motion in Application of Transverse Magnetic Field

The oxide layer removal method using the vacuum arc has been proposed as one of surface treatment techniques. However, uniformly removing the oxide layer from the surface of base material is difficult because the cathode spot moves randomly. The cathode spot moves randomly. Previous research has reported that retrograde motion occurs with the application of a constant transverse magnetic field. However, the mechanism of cathode spot motion under an external magnetic field has not been elucidated. In order to elucidate the cathode spot movement factors, it is necessary to elucidate the physical phenomena in the cathode spot. In this research, the contribution of nonequilibrium near the vacuum arc cathode spot to the retrograde motion in the application of a transverse magnetic field is investigated. Specifically, spectroscopic measurements were made at the copper cathode of Cu 1 emanating from the cathode spot. A spectrometer and a high-speed video camera were used. The temperature was calculated using the Boltzmann plot method. A linear Boltzmann plot was defined as a thermal equilibrium state, and a nonlinear Boltzmann plot was defined as a non-equilibrium state.This research elucidated non-equilibrium in the direction of movement of the cathode spot of transverse magnetic field application is clarified.