Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

High Throughput Single-cell and Multiple-cell Micro-encapsulation
Published on: June 15, 2012
Plasma instability of a vacuum arc centrifuge
M J Hole1, R S Dallaqua, S W Simpson
1School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Abstract:
Ever since conception of the vacuum arc centrifuge in 1980, periodic fluctuations in the ion saturation current and floating potential have been observed in Langmuir probe measurements in the rotation region of a vacuum arc centrifuge. In this work we develop a linearized theoretical model to describe a range of instabilities in the vacuum arc centrifuge plasma column, and then test the validity of the description through comparison with experiment. We conclude that the observed instability is a "universal" instability, driven by the density gradient, in a plasma with finite conductivity.
Related Concept Videos
Van de Graaff Generator
Van de Graaff uses both smooth and pointed surfaces, conductors, and insulators to generate large static charges and, hence, large voltages. A substantial excess charge can be deposited on the sphere because it moves...
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Centrifugation
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates

