ANODE MODES IN VACUUM ARCS

This paper reviews the five different anode discharge modes which can occur in a vacuum are. These modes are diffuse are (low current, with or without anode sputtering), footpoint (intermediate current), and an ode spot or intense are (high current). Descriptions of the various mo des are presented, based primarily on experimental results. The hot an ode vacuum are mode, which occurs only with thermally isolated anodes, is also described. The effects of external magnetic fields on anode m odes are briefly stated. Cathode modes and are column modes are also d iscussed, primarily as they correspond to anode modes.