Investigation of an Ablation-dominated Arc in a Model Chamber by Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Abstract

A switching arc in a model chamber is investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy. Ignition wire is applied to initiate an arc of several kiloampere between tungsten−copper electrodes. Radiation emitted by the arc plasma is absorbed by a surrounding PTFE nozzle, leading to an ablation–dominated discharge. Video spectroscopy is carried out using an imaging spectrometer combined with a high–speed video camera. Carbon ion and fluorine atom line emission from the heating channel as well as copper, oxygen and nitrogen from ignition wire and ambient air are analyzed with focus on the low–current phases at the beginning of discharge and near current zero. Additionally, electrical parameters and total pressure are recorded while the general behavior of the discharge is observed by another video camera. Considering rotational symmetry of the arc the corresponding radial emission coefficients are determined. Finally, radial temperature profiles are calculated.