Numerical investigation of the methods for reducing the runaway electron beam divergence

Abstract

We have performed a comparative numerical analysis of two methods for reducing the runaway electron beam divergence using an external magnetic field or a dielectric tube. The generation of runaway electrons takes place in an inhomogeneous medium that consists of a hot channel (spark channel, laser torch, etc.) surrounded by air under normal conditions. The model makes it possible to consistently calculate the formation of a subnanosecond gas discharge and the generation of accelerated electrons under these conditions. The possibility of effectively decreasing the runaway electron beam divergence using an external magnetic field, as well as a dielectric tube, has been demonstrated. However, the number of runaway electrons in the case with the tube is considerably smaller than in the case with the magnetic field due to the fact that some runaway electrons settle on the tube walls. The energy spectra of the runaway electrons significantly differ in these cases, which can be explained by the differences in the dynamics of the discharge formation.