Cinematic of the current sheet in a pulsed coaxial plasma source operated with uniform gas filling

The evolution of the plasma obtained from magnetic probes and other electri cal measurements in a coaxial gun with a Ti central electrode (cathode) use d for coating studies in a mbar N-2 atmosphere is given. The results indica te that the currently used snowplough models adequately describe the cinema tic of the plasma current sheet only if an additional mass to that of the g as between electrodes is included in the plasma sheet. The need to include extra mass is taken as evidence of relevant erosion of the central electrod e, in accordance with the production of substantial coatings in similar dev ices. Evidence that sizeable portions of the discharge current remain attac hed near the end of the electrode system is presented, and some of the impl ications for the use of these devices for coating purposes are discussed.