Simulation of the hot core mode of arc attachment at a thoriated tungsten cathode by an emitter spot model

Abstract

Recently, a constricted attachment of an atmospheric pressure low-current argon arc in the centre of the flat end face of a thoriated tungsten cathode was observed and spectroscopically analysed. Its diameter of 0.6 mm and its length of the free standing part of 10 mm are the typical dimensions of electrodes for high-intensity discharge lamps. This paper gives a physical interpretation of the axially symmetric arc spot by a simulation of its properties with a cathodic sheath model which takes into account a reduction in the work function above a critical temperature of the cathode surface by a thorium ion current.