Arc Cathode Movement in a Magnetic Field

Abstract

An arc cathode spot in a transverse magnetic field may move either in the Amperian (forward) direction, or in the opposite (retrograde) direction. Experiments are described which show that forward continuous motion is caused by magnetic fields at the cathode surface, as is the case with retrograde motion, and that both of these motions depend upon the material and surface condition of the cathode. Forward cathode velocity both when continuous and when moving in a stepping process is independent of arc current over a wide range. The theories so far suggested for retrograde motion do not appear to be able to account for the dependence of retrograde cathode movement on the nature of the cathode surface.