Power/energy: Managing switching arcs: Plasma physics research tells us how to dynamically control arcs in high-power circuit breakers

A new respect for electric arcs has developed among plasma physics researchers, and it is pointing the rugged way to gas-blast circuit breakers that can handle higher voltages. Arcs used to be looked upon as a nuisance that had to be extinguished, like a fire, as soon as possible. Now, the electric arc is regarded as a dynamic, controllable, and vital part of a circuit breaker.