High ion charge states in a high‐current, short‐pulse, vacuum arc ion source

摘要: Ions of the cathode material are formed at vacuum arc spots and extracted by a grid system. The ion charge states (typically 1–4) depend on only little discharge current as long is low. Here we report experiments with short pulses (several μs) high currents kA); this regime operation thus approaching more sparklike regime. Mean up to 6.2 for tungsten 3.7 titanium have been measured, corresponding maximum 8+ 6+, respectively. results discussed in terms Saha calculations freezing state distribution.