Abstract: When a trigger discharge between a metal cathode and a trigger ring induces a vacuum-arc discharge between the cathode an anode, which vaporizes the substances of the cathode surface to produce a metal ion plasma, setting the pulse length of the arc pulse applied between the cathode and the anode to 1 msec or longer will soon short-circuit between the cathode and the trigger ring due to the vaporized substances deposited on the surface of the insulating ring. In order to solve this problem, a permanent magnet 36 for forming a magnetic field across a space between the anode 26 and the cathode 34 is provided close to the rear side of the trigger ring 35 so as to guide the substances vaporized from the cathode 34 toward the anode 26. Thereby, a longer continuous operation can be done with setting the arc pulse longer.

Abstract: In an apparatus in which a vacuum-arc discharge is generated between a metal cathode and anode plate and an evaporated substance from the cathode is supplied through openings on the anode plate, conventionally, a cleaning work to remove metal films deposited on the edges of the openings has to be done periodically, which limits continuous operation. The apparatus relating to the invention is provided with a rotary anode plate 14 on which a plurality of openings 17 are formed on a circumference concentric with the rotary axis of the anode plate. As the anode plate 14 rotates, the openings 17 are designed to come into a position to face the cathode. This construction can continue a longer operation with an extremely low deterioration of the performance without a maintenance work requiring a relief of the vacuum.

Abstract: A cathodic arc metal deposition apparatus that prevents the deposition of metal droplets with the metal ions being deposited. The cathode has an annular configuration. An annular solenoidal magnet is positioned adjacent to the cathode with their central openings in alignment. The opening diameters and spacings of the cathode and magnet is such that no line of sight exists between the cathode and a target to be coated. Preferably, the arc is initiated between the cathode and an annular anode located around the cathode, separated from the cathode by an insulating layer. The arc is initiated by a high voltage pulse formed between a trigger electrode ring within the cathode opening and the cathode. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of individual cathodes are positioned in a circle in place of the single ring electrode. The anode may surround the set of cathodes, or may be a screen between the cathodes and the magnet. A multi-screen extractor is preferably provided to direct ions toward the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating high temperature resistant, electrically-conductive, ceramic compounds, such as titanium carbides and diborides, onto an organic substrate, which may be an organic resin matrix composite. The apparatus basically comprises a vacuum arc plasma generator, a high-voltage insulated substrate holding table and a plasma channel. The plasma generator includes a vacuum chamber having a cylindrical cathode of the material to be deposited, surrounded by a ceramic insulator which is in turn surrounded by a metal trigger ring in contact with a trigger electrode. When a vacuum arc discharge is initiated, a plasma flows outwardly from the cathode through a hole in an adjacent anode and into a drift tube. The drift tube has a plurality of magnets around the tube exterior to push the plasma away from the tube, maintain a uniform plasma density and guide the plasma towards a substrate on a movable high voltage insulated substrate support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the inner surface of a tube by ion surface modification techniques, such as ion implantation, ion mixing and ion beam assisted coating. The apparatus includes a plasma source, preferably a vacuum arc, a first magnet for guiding the plasma into a drift tube. A second magnet is spaced from the first magnet and has a current running opposite to the first magnet. A radial extractor surrounds the area between the magnets, which form a cusp therebetween. The plasma follows the field lines, exiting the drift tube to the extractor, where the ions are removed and accelerated outwardly in a radial direction. With the entire apparatus placed in a tube, the ions will impact the inner wall of the tube. The resulting ion implantation advantageously modifies the surface, typically increasing wear and erosion resistance, improving corrosion resistance, increasing fatigue life, etc.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus utilizing a vacuum chamber with an anode and multiple, selectively operable, cathodes in the chamber. The vacuum chamber is grounded and all but the cathode or cathodes selected for use are grounded to the chamber. The anode is a high-transparency screen, preferably formed from a copper alloy. The cathodes are preferably arranged in a generally circular array, parallel to each other, so that any can be fired by a single trigger cathode assembly positioned adjacent to the array. A linear feed mechanism for moving any cathode toward the anode as cathode material is consumed may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for merging electrons and ions in a neutralizer region where both are of equal intensity and velocity and directing the beam at a target to be destroyed. The region for merging the beams comprises a plurality of circular electrodes formed in a convex overlapping configuration with circular apertures for receiving ions from a ion source. A separate set of accelerator-decelerator electrodes is positioned to merge the electron beam into the ions in the beam merging region. After the beam leaves the beam merging region it enters an elongated axial magentic field which compresses the beam as it is directed to an object to be destroyed.This device may be housed in a satellite capable of being transported into space and moved within a kill radius of an object. The beam density is determined by the choice of ion species and by merging the beams in a low interaction energy environment.