Effect of the anode-spattered atom stream on the current flow in the vacuum arc

The paper deals with the effect of the anode-spattered atoms on the fast cathode ion stream in the vacuum discharge at relatively low (⩽100 A/cm²) current densities. The problem is considered in terms of an instantaneous ionization model and a model regarding for a finite ionization length. The calculations, define the boundary of the stable current flow as B function of the arc current density, and densities and velocities of sputtered atoms.