Ignition and burning of the nonself-sustained arc discharge in vapors of the anode material

We present the basic characteristics of the arc discharge in vapors of the anode material in crossed electric and magnetic fields. Information on the minimal vapor pressure of the working materials necessary for ignition and burning of the discharge is given. It is shown that the electric field can change substantially the characteristics of discharge and the parameters of created plasma flows. The values of deposition rate of metal films are given. The results of studying ionization coefficient, plasma potential, and floating potential in a plasma flow are also submitted.