Metallic films for triggering vacuum-arc plasma sources

Abstract

Results of the studies on forming the conductive film in discharge gap of the trigger injector during the operation of vacuum-arc plasma source are presented. The film was deposited on the end of ceramic tube surface used for filling the discharge gap trigger injectors. Experiments were performed in the practicable conditions for technological processes of protective and decorating coating in the plasma sources with magnetic confinement of the cathode spot and chromium and titanium cathodes. It was revealed the cathode materials and conditions of the coatings deposition influence on structure and properties of the films obtained on ceramics Al₂O₃-SiO₂-BaO₂. The rate of the film growth was defined, its variation is in the range of 1.1-3.3 nm/s.