Effect of geometric azimuthal asymmetries of PPM stack on electron beam characteristics [TWTs]

A three-dimensional (3-D) beam optics model has been developed using the electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code MAFIA. The model includes an electron beam with initial transverse velocity distribution focused by a periodic permanent magnet (PPM) stack. All components of the model are simulated in three dimensions, allowing several azimuthally asymmetric traveling wave tube (TWT) characteristics to be investigated for the first time. These include C-magnets, shunts and magnet misalignment and their effects on electron beam behavior. The development of the model is presented and 3-D TWT electron beam characteristics are compared in the absence of and under the influence of the azimuthally asymmetric characteristics described.