Improved Emission/Ionization Algorithms and Modeling Methodology for Design of High-Brightness Electron Guns

Millimeter-wave tubes that operate in the 80 to 300 GHz range are important sources of microwave power for future communication, remote sensing, and electronic warfare applications. Effective computer design and optimization capabilities are required to develop these tubes due to their small size, stringent mechanical and beam tolerances, and very high brightness, emittance-dominated electron beams. The objective of the Phase 2 project is the development of new physics and modeling capabilities within the Analyst/MICHELLE design system that enables virtual prototyping and optimization of microwave tube components involving high-brightness beams. The Phase 2 work will build upon prototype extensions to the secondary emission and impact ionization models developed during the successful Phase 1 project. The emission and ionization models in MICHELLE will be modified in the Phase 2 project based upon the Phase 1 studies. Additional development will be done in MICHELLE and Analyst to dramatically lower design/optimization times through extension of existing parallel processing support and improvements to the modeling infrastructure.