Benchmark Calculations of a Well-Characterized Cross-Field Amplifier Using ICEPIC

Highly detailed characterizations of microwave tubes are difficult to come by, but the retirement of the L3-Harris L-4953 cross-field amplifier, used by the FAA for air traffic control applications, has made previously proprietary operational data for that tube available for use. This presents a golden opportunity for modeling the device and comparing model results with actual data. We have been working toward that goal as a first step in introducing a variety of design modifications that are imagined to be capable of improving the performance of the device. Being able to explore these modifications in an environment created by the availability of actual geometry, construction, and operational data will provide that work with a rarely available basis in reality.