Particle-in-cell modeling of a reflex-triode vircator using ICEPIC

Abstract

This study describes a three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation for a reflex-triode virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). In particular, these efforts have focused upon the development of a robust, consistent model using the ICEPIC (Improved Concurrent Electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell) code from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The vircator operates at background pressures less than 10−9 Torr and utilizes a bimodal carbon fiber cathode and pyrolytic graphite anode. Experimental data from the hard-tube vircator at Texas Tech University (TTU) is used to validate simulation results. A working, three-dimensional model of a reflex-triode vircator allows for better understanding of the physical processes responsible for microwave generation and thus enables the development of a more efficient and more customizable system. Simulation results detail the virtual cathode formation and the subsequent extraction of radiated microwave energy. Rather than relying on a non-directional isotropic radiation pattern for the radiated power, the true effective radiated power (ERP) from a three-dimensional, frequency-dependent radiation pattern has been extracted from the ICEPIC model. Furthermore, contributions from higher-order modes, particularly in the upper C-band regime, lead to frequency hopping and decreased microwave output power. Simulated results aid in identifying mode contributions and developing schemes to minimize contributions from undesirable modes. ICEPIC results are presented and compared against experimental results at several different operating conditions.