Method and apparatus for generating an electrical arc
US7342198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J37/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of generating an electrical arc includes steps of providing a first electrode and a second electrode, determining a dielectric strength of a gap region between the electrodes, determining a desired dielectric strength change based on the determined dielectric strength, injecting an amount of ions into the gap region, wherein the amount of ions is controlled based on the desired dielectric strength change, and providing a voltage to the first electrode, the voltage causing the electrical arc to be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Preferably, the amount of ions injected into the gap region causes the dielectric strength of the gap region to be changed by an amount substantially equal to the desired dieletric strength change. The method may be implemented in an apparatus employing an electrician arc, such as, without limitation, a fusion splicer or an apparatus for preparing an optical fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.