Applications of large-scale electromagnetic and particle-in-cell simulation models to rf devices and components

Large-scale simulation codes have matured to the point where they can be applied to the design of high-power beam and rf devices. These codes offer the capability to carry out self-consistent computations of beam dynamics and electromagnetic fields in the presence of complicated, realistic geometrical configurations and volumetric materials. SAIC's MASK and ARGUS codes are general-purpose simulation tools in two and three dimensions, respectively. They have been used in government and commercial laboratories in the design of diverse devices, such as accelerator components, antennas, diodes, MIMIC's, and microwave tubes. Over the past three years, these codes have been incorporated into simulation-based design systems, such as SAIC's CFA Design System for crossed-field amplifiers and the MMACE (Microwave and Millimeter Wave Advanced Computational Environment) design framework for helix TWT's and other rf power tubes. In these computational frameworks, the simulation codes are linked to other design and engineering tools through standard data transfer protocols that allow data to flow seamlessly from a user interface through a hierarchy of design and modeling tools. This paper will include examples of the application of these tools in the design of crossed-field amplifiers, helix TWT's, and diamond reactors.