Energy regulation of impulse current generator modulated DC arc discharge

Abstract This paper proposes a method of impulse current generator modulated DC arc by combining the advantages of pulse and the RF to solve the low electron energy problem of direct current arc. Through experimental analyzing the electrical, spectral, and optical characteristics of the arc, the effect of impulse current generator (ICG) on improving electron energy is discussed. The results show that the ICG consumes more energy to enhance the strength of arc discharge, and therefore electron energy is increased in a microsecond scale. In addition, it is found that the electron energy of the arc discharge can be adjusted by varying inductance, capacitance, and discharge tube: increasing the inductance or capacitance can increase the electron energy firstly and then decrease it. In adjusting the three adjustable components, adjusting the inductor is the most effective method, followed by adjusting the capacitor, and adjusting the repetition frequency has the least effect. The reason is discussed, and it is believed that the results are related to leakage inductance and distributed capacitance.