Time-Resolved End-to-End Simulations of Beam-Pulse Timing Effects in a Linear Induction Accelerator

In a linear induction accelerator (LIA) the relative timing between the current pulse and the accelerating voltage pulses can affect the beam pulse head and tail, which are inherently mismatched to the magnetic transport. In order to simulate these effects, we have performed time-resolved simulations from the cathode to the bremsstrahlung target of a flash-radiography LIA. These end-to-end simulations have revealed erosion of the beam head due to the spill of the mismatched beam in the LIA, as well as large envelope oscillations of the transmitted beam-head remnant, which contribute to the enlargement of the integrated radiographic source spot.