An optoelectronic control of arc gap during formation of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes

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Abstract
An automated system for controlling the interelectrode gap of the carbon arc and positioning the plasma, constructed from commercially available components, is described. The core components of the system are the linear photodetector array, analog, and digital integrated circuits, and two direct current motors. It allows for both maintaining constant arc gap and its positioning against the optical axis of the plasma diagnostic arrangement. The method of operation is demonstrated via the production of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. This control contrivance has been used for more than one year in bench scale with very satisfactory results. In addition, the design presented here has been found to be simple to construct from readily available components and has the merit of being quite inexpensive, too (the entire cost is under $2400).