Accurate Numerical Models of the Secondary Electron Yield from Grazing-Incidence Collisions

72158S03-I Interactions with unwanted electrons are a major limiting factor in the performance of ion accelerators. A main source of these electrons is collisions at grazing incidence between the ions and the beam pipe walls. Computer modeling could be used to examine this problem, but the codes in the heavy-ion fusion community presently do not have the capability to model grazing-incidence collisions accurately. This project will develop accurate numerical models of grazing-incidence collisions between ions and walls. The improved models would provide heavy-ion fusion simulation codes with an ability to determine ways for mitigating the effects of unwanted electrons. In Phase I, prototype numerical models will be developed using state-of-the-art simulation techniques. The models will be validated against recent heavy-ion fusion experiments and then combined with a heavy-ion fusion accelerator simulation to evaluate the effects of grazing-incidence ion-wall collisions on accelerator performance. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: These models should be unique in the accelerator physics community and consequently would be in high demand. Further, an easy-to-use interface will be developed and sold to scientists using the models.