Modeling and Simulation (M&S) of a Multiple Beam Inductive Output Tube (MB-IOT)

The multiple beam inductive output tube (MB IOT) will play a vital role as a high-power microwave source to drive the accelerator cavities used in future free electron laser directed energy weapons systems. There is a great deal that is still unknown about the complex beam wave interaction inherent in conventional IOTs; their development has largely been a cut-and-try endeavor due to a lack of available modeling and simulation tools capable of handling the complexities of this class of vacuum electron device. Issues persist today that limit their performance and reduce manufacturing yield. We propose the development of a suite of self-consistent, physics-based finite element particle in cell codes specifically tailored to address the unique modeling and simulation needs of IOTs and ultimately MB IOTs, in an effort to shed light on the complex nature of their beam-wave interaction, which is the first step on a path to improving performance and yield.