Cathodic arc voltage noise modelling: ectons and random walk of the cathode spots

TL;DR

This paper presents a model explaining cathodic arc voltage noise by combining ecton-related microexplosions and a random walk of cathode spots, validated through spectral analysis.

Contribution

A novel model that accurately reproduces the voltage noise spectra of cathodic arcs by integrating ecton dynamics and cathode spot movement.

Findings

Model shows good agreement with experimental spectra

Voltage noise comprises microexplosions and cathode spot walk

Fourier spectra validate the model's accuracy

Abstract

The noise signal of the voltage fluctuations of cathode arcs recorded at different sampling frequencies was analyzed. To explain obtained Fourier spectra for each measurement, a model was developed. The characteristics of the model were obtained by comparing Fourier spectra of the developed model and experimental signals. The model shows good quality agreement with the experiment. The voltage signal consists of two parts: a sum of very short (several ns) fluctuations, related a microexplosion or ecton and a low frequency part related to a random cathode spot walk.