This is a comprehensive text describing the basic physics and technological applications of vacuum arcs. Part I describes basic physics of the vacuum arc, beginning with a brief tutorial review of plasma and electrical discharge physics, then describes the arc ignition process, cathode and anode spots which serve as the locus for plasma generation, and resultant interelectrode plasma. Part II describes the applications of the vacuum arc for depositing thin films and coatings, refining metals, switching high power, and as sources of intense electron, ion, plasma, and x-ray beams.

This is a comprehensive text describing the basic physics and technological applications of vacuum arcs. Part I describes basic physics of the vacuum arc, beginning with a brief tutorial review of plasma and electrical discharge physics, then describes the arc ignition process, cathode and anode spots which serve as the locus for plasma generation, and resultant interelectrode plasma. Part II describes the applications of the vacuum arc for depositing thin films and coatings, refining metals, switching high power, and as sources of intense electron, ion, plasma, and x-ray beams.

This book presents the status quo of the structure, preparation, properties and applications of tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon (ta-C) films and compares them with related film systems. Tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon films (ta-C) combine some of the outstanding properties of diamond with the versatility of amorphous materials. The book compares experimental results with the predictions of theoretical analyses, condensing them to practicable rules. It is strictly application oriented, emphasizing the exceptional potential of ta-C for tribological coatings of tools and components.

The Foundations of Vacuum Coating Technology, Second Edition, is a revised and expanded version of the first edition, which was published in 2003. The book reviews the histories of the various vacuum coating technologies and expands on the history of the enabling technologies of vacuum technology, plasma technology, power supplies, and low-pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The melding of these technologies has resulted in new processes and products that have greatly expanded the application of vacuum coatings for use in our everyday lives. The book is unique in that it makes extensive reference to the patent literature (mostly US) and how it relates to the history of vacuum coating. The book includes a Historical Timeline of Vacuum Coating Technology and a Historical Timeline of Vacuum/Plasma Technology, as well as a Glossary of Terms used in the vacuum coating and surface engineering industries. History and detailed descriptions of Vacuum Deposition Technologies Review of Enabling Technologies and their importance to current applications Extensively referenced text Patents are referenced as part of the history Historical Timelines for Vacuum Coating Technology and Vacuum/Plasma Technology Glossary of Terms for vacuum coating

This 3e, edited by Peter M. Martin, PNNL 2005 Inventor of the Year, is an extensive update of the many improvements in deposition technologies, mechanisms, and applications. This long-awaited revision includes updated and new chapters on atomic layer deposition, cathodic arc deposition, sculpted thin films, polymer thin films and emerging technologies. Extensive material was added throughout the book, especially in the areas concerned with plasma-assisted vapor deposition processes and metallurgical coating applications.