Heterogeneous Arc Discharge Plasma in a Magnetic Field

Abstract

Results of investigation of the plasma processes proceeding upon cooling of the heterogeneous low-temperature argon-oxygen arc discharge plasma in an external magnetic field are presented. The oxygen content is kept on the level insufficient for complete oxidation of carbon vapors. Upon cooling of the low-temperature plasma containing comparable amounts of C and Fe atoms, the dispersed particles containing mixed microcrystals of carbon and iron oxides are formed. The particles formed from Cu and SiO₂ vapors in the arc discharge plasma are also studied. It is established that in the presence of the external magnetic field, the dispersed particles of mixed C and Fe or Cu and SiO₂ microcrystals have larger sizes than the particles formed in the absence of the magnetic field.