Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “multipactor”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Self-consistent simulation of radio frequency multipactor on micro-grooved dielectric surface

The multipactor plays a key role in the surface breakdown on the feed dielectric window irradiated by high power microwave. To study the suppression of multipactor, a 2D electrostatic PIC-MCC simulation code was developed. The space charge field, including surface deposited charge and multipactor electron charge field, is obtained by solving 2D Poisson's equation in time. Therefore, the simulation is self-consistent and does not require presetting a fixed space charge field. By using this code, the self-consistent simulation of the RF multipactor on the periodic micro-grooved dielectric surface is realized. The 2D space distributions of the multipactor electrons and space charge field are presented. From the simulation results, it can be found that only half slopes have multipactor discharge when the slope angle exceeds a certain value, and the groove presents a pronounced suppression effect on the multipactor.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Particle-in-cell simulation of multipactor discharge on a dielectric in a parallel-plate waveguide

An original 2D3V (two-dimensional in coordinate space and three-dimensional in velocity space) particle-in-cell code has been developed for simulation of multipactor discharge on a dielectric in a parallelplate metal waveguide with allowance for secondary electron emission (SEE) from the dielectric surface and waveguide walls, finite temperature of secondary electrons, electron space charge, and elastic and inelastic scattering of electrons from the dielectric and metal surfaces. The code allows one to simulate all stages of the multipactor discharge, from the onset of the electron avalanche to saturation. It is shown that the threshold for the excitation of a single-surface multipactor on a dielectric placed in a low-profile waveguide with absorbing walls increases as compared to that in the case of an unbounded dielectric surface due to escape of electrons onto the waveguide walls. It is found that, depending on the microwave field amplitude and the SEE characteristics of the waveguide walls, the multipactor may operate in two modes. In the first mode, which takes place at relatively low microwave amplitudes, a single-surface multipactor develops only on the dielectric, the surface of which acquires a positively potential with respect to the waveguide walls. In the second mode, which occurs at sufficiently high microwave intensities, a single-surface multipactor on the dielectric and a two-surface multipactor between the waveguide walls operate simultaneously. In this case, both the dielectric surface and the interwall space acquire a negative potential. It is shown that electron scattering from the dielectric surface and waveguide walls results in the appearance of high-energy tails in the electron distribution function.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Suppression of multipactor discharge on a dielectric surface by an external magnetic field

The multipactor discharge on a dielectric surface in an external magnetic field is simulated by using the particle-in-cell method, and the electron number, energy, the velocity of the yield of secondary electrons, and the power deposited on dielectric surface in the process of multipactor discharge are investigated. The effects of the strength of the external magnetic field on multipactor are studied. The results show that when the external magnetic field reaches a certain value, the multipactor is weaker than that in the case of no external magnetic field and becomes much lighter versus the strength of the external magnetic field in the half microwave period in which the ExB drift pulls the electrons back to dielectric surface. And in the other half microwave period in which the ExB drift pushes the electrons away from the dielectric surface, the multipactor is cut off. So the power capability can be increased to the fourfold by the suppression of multipactor by applying an external magnetic field.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

Multipactor threshold calculation of coaxial transmission lines in microwave applications with nonstationary statistical theory

This paper presents a statistical theory for the initial onset of multipactor breakdown in coaxial transmission lines, taking both the nonuniform electric field and random electron emission velocity into account. A general numerical method is first developed to construct the joint probability density function based on the approximate equation of the electron trajectory. The nonstationary dynamics of the multipactor process on both surfaces of coaxial lines are modelled based on the probability of various impacts and their corresponding secondary emission. The resonant assumption of the classical theory on the independent double-sided and single-sided impacts is replaced by the consideration of their interaction. As a result, the time evolutions of the electron population for exponential growth and absorption on both inner and outer conductor, in response to the applied voltage above and below the multipactor breakdown level, are obtained to investigate the exact mechanism of multipactor discharge in coaxial lines. Furthermore, the multipactor threshold predictions of the presented model are compared with experimental results using measured secondary emission yield of the tested samples which shows reasonable agreement. Finally, the detailed impact scenario reveals that single-surface multipactor is more likely to occur with a higher outer to inner conductor radius ratio.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Simulation of multipactor on the rectangular grooved dielectric surface

Multipactor discharge on the rectangular grooved dielectric surface is simulated self-consistently by using a two-and-a-half dimensional (2.5 D) electrostatic particle-in-cell (PIC) code. Compared with the electromagnetic PIC code, the former can give much more accurate solution for the space charge field caused by the multipactor electrons and the deposited surface charge. According to the rectangular groove width and height, the multipactor can be divided into four models, the spatial distributions of the multipactor electrons and the space charge fields are presented for these models. It shows that the rectangular groove in different models gives very different suppression effect on the multipactor, effective and efficient suppression on the multipactor can only be reached with a proper groove size.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Complete multipactor suppression in an X-band dielectric-loaded accelerating structure

Multipactor is a major issue limiting the gradient of rf-driven Dielectric-Loaded Accelerating (DLA) structures. Theoretical models have predicted that an axial magnetic field applied to DLA structures may completely block the multipactor discharge. However, previous attempts to demonstrate this magnetic field effect in an X-band traveling-wave DLA structure were inconclusive, due to the axial variation of the applied magnetic field, and showed only partial suppression of the multipactor loading. Here, the present experiment has been performed under improved conditions with a uniform axial magnetic field extending along the length of an X-band standing-wave DLA structure. Multipactor loading began to be continuously reduced starting from 3.5 kG applied magnetic field and was completely suppressed at ~8 kG. Dependence of multipactor suppression on the rf gradient inside the DLA structure was also measured.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Measurement of Dielectric Multipactor Thresholds at 110 GHz

We report experimental measurements of the threshold for multipactor discharges on dielectric surfaces at 110 GHz. Multipactor was studied in two geometries: electric field polarized parallel to or perpendicular to the sample surface. Measured multipactor thresholds ranged from 15 to 34 MV /m, more than 10 times higher than those found at conventional microwave frequencies. Measured thresholds were compared with prior data at lower frequencies, showing agreement with theoretical predictions that thresholds increase linearly with frequency. Measurements of the rf power dissipated in the multipactor show low dissipation (≤ 1%) for the parallel electric field case, but very strong dissipation for the perpendicular case, also in agreement with theoretical predictions. In conclusion, the agreement between experiment and theory over a wide range of frequencies provides a strong basis for the understanding of dielectric multipactor discharges.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Data-Driven Analysis of Multipactor Dynamics via Dynamic Mode Decomposition

Multipactor effect is a performance-limiting kinetic plasma effect that can occur in high-power microwave and radio frequency (RF) devices. Multipactor effect is of special concern in vacuum or near-vacuum conditions such as those in particle accelerators and spaceborne devices. In this work, we present a data-driven reduced-order model (ROM) based on dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) for modeling of multipactor effects. We study multipactor effects and the resulting nonlinear harmonic generation by processing high-fidelity data generated from electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EMPIC) simulations using the DMD algorithm. We also investigate time-delay embedding extensions of DMD with improved generalizability and accuracy for modeling the electron plasma current density behavior. Here, the results show that DMD provides valuable insights into multipactor phenomena by extracting relevant modal spatiotemporal patterns and frequencies. In addition, DMD offers the potential to time extrapolate EMPIC simulations at a minimal cost, thereby reducing overall simulation time.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Multipactor theory for multicarrier signals

This work presents a new theory of multipactor under multicarrier signals for parallel-plate geometries, assuming a homogeneous electric field and one-dimensional electron motion. It is the generalization of the nonstationary multipactor theory for single-carrier signals [S. Anza et al.,Phys. Plasmas 17, 062110 (2010)]. It is valid for multicarrier signals with an arbitrary number of carriers with different amplitude, arbitrary frequency, and phase conditions and for any material coating. This new theory is able to model the real dynamics of the electrons during the multipactor discharge for both single and double surface interactions. Among other parameters of the discharge, it calculates the evolution in time of the charge growth, electron absorption, and creation rates as well as the instantaneous secondary emission yield and order. An extensive set of numerical tests with particle-in-cell software has been carried out in order to validate the theory under many different conditions. This theoretical development constitutes the first multipactor theory which completely characterizes the multipactor discharge for arbitrary multicarrier signals, setting the first step for further investigations in the field.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Ping-pong modes and higher-periodicity multipactor

Multipactor is a vacuum discharge driven by secondary electron emission. Multiple period multipactors have long been known to exist but have been studied less extensively. In a period-n multipactor, electrons undergo multiple impacts in one rf period, with the synchronous phase alternating periodically between multiple values. A novel resonant form is proposed that combines one- and two-surface impacts within a single period, provided the total transit time is an odd number of rf half-periods and the product of secondary yields exceeds unity. For low fD products, the simplest such mode is shown to significantly increase the upper electric field boundary of the multipacting region and lead to overlap of higher-order bands. The results agree nicely with 3-D particle-in-cell code simulations. An alternative, map-based method is introduced for analyzing higher-periodicity multipactor. Practical implications of the findings are discussed, including consequences for multipactor suppression strategies using a dc magnetic field.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Resonant dynamics of one-side multipactor on dielectric

Breakdown of dielectric radio frequency (RF) windows is an important issue for particle accelerators and high-power RF sources. One of the common reasons for RF window failure is the multipactor on a dielectric surface. The multipactor may be responsible for excessive heating of the dielectric and discharge of charges that accumulated in the ceramic due to secondary emission. In this study, comprehensive self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations with space charge effect were performed. This was to better understand the dynamic of one-side multipactor development and floating potential on the dielectric induced by the emission. The important correlations between the multipactor parameters at saturation, the secondary emission properties of dielectric, and the applied RF field parameters have been found, which led to the conclusion that the dynamics of one-side multipactor on dielectric is a resonant phenomenon.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Advanced Diagnostics of Broad Spectrum Multipactor

Multipactor is a resonance event between electron emission and RF fields causing exponential secondary electron re-emission growth when the secondary electron yield of the primary electron impact energy exceeds unity. Multipactor is a serious problem in vacuum electron devices (VEDs) such as particle accelerators, radars, electronic warfare systems, directed energy devices, and even Hall effect thrusters. It also poses an even greater threat to space communication systems where high power, multi-channel links are required. The UC Davis and SLAC team will conduct basic research to advance the fundamental understanding of multipactor physics by developing and carrying out full spectrum, radio frequency (RF) laboratory tests aimed at understanding both single and two-surface multipactor phenomena and at evaluating novel multipactor mitigation approaches for accelerator, space-based RF systems, as well as high power microwave (HPM) applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Logistic function as a characteristic of multipactor development

Simulations of multipacting with or without space charge effect bring out a different behavior of particle number growth, namely, the exponential growth of particle number in the simulations without space charge effect and the saturation of particle number (or collision and emission currents) when space charge is considered. That creates a certain confusion in evaluation and comparison of overall danger of multipactor between the approaches. On the other hand, both growth rate and total multipactor current loading at saturation are important for multipactor barriers evaluation. It was noticed and then verified that the logistic function, widely used in chemistry, biology, and ecosystem study, reproduces the particle number growth curves remarkably well. The function contains the parameters, which can be interpreted as particle number growth rate and multipactor current saturation level, so both become correlated and obtained simultaneously in one run. In this work it is shown how the logistic function can be used for characterization of the multipactor barriers and how it can be used for possible reduction of simulation time in the simulations with space charge effect.

Romanov, Gennady↗
DOE OSTI2025

Two-Frequency RF Fields Induced Multipactor in Coaxial Transmission Lines

Multipactor is a nonlinear discharge phenomenon that occurs in vacuum RF systems, potentially leading to signal distortion, power loss, and even permanent damage to high-power components. This study presents a detailed investigation of two-surface multipactor in coaxial transmission lines under two-frequency excitation, using one-dimensional (1D) Monte Carlo simulations validated by three-dimensional (3D) Particle-in-Cell (PIC) results and experimental data. Introducing a second carrier mode is shown to suppress multipactor by reshaping and shrinking the susceptibility region, with the extent and location of suppression strongly dependent on the device aspect ratio and the relative phase of the second mode. Distinct suppression patterns emerge across different frequency–gap distance (fd) regimes, and in certain cases, susceptibility expansion is also observed. The study identifies and distinguishes pure and mixed multipactor modes in coaxial geometry, where analytical mode boundaries are not readily defined. Unlike planar systems, pure-mode regions in coaxial structures overlap with mixed-mode domains, complicating classification. Image charge forces are found to have minimal effect on susceptibility thresholds but do influence electron growth rates. These findings provide new insights into waveform-driven control of multipactor in high-power RF systems.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Two-frequency RF fields induced multipactor in coaxial transmission lines

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of two-surface multipactor discharge in coaxial transmission lines under two-frequency radio frequency (RF) excitation using one-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations validated against three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations and experimental data. The results show that introducing a second carrier mode can suppress multipactor by reshaping and shrinking the susceptibility region, with the extent and location of suppression strongly dependent on the device's aspect ratio and the relative phase of the second carrier mode. Distinct suppression patterns are observed across different fd regimes, while in some cases, susceptibility expansion also occurs under two-frequency operation. A key outcome is the identification and delineation of pure and mixed multipactor modes in coaxial geometry, where analytical mode boundaries are not readily available. Unlike planar geometries, pure-mode regions in coaxial systems overlap with mixed-mode domains, complicating mode identification. Additionally, image charge forces are found to have negligible influence on susceptibility thresholds but strongly affect electron growth rates. These findings offer valuable insights into the use of waveform engineering for controlling multipactor in high-power RF systems.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Machine Learning for Mapping Multipactor Susceptibility in RF Systems: Capabilities and Generalization Constraints

Multipactor is a surface-driven electron avalanche phenomenon that degrades the performance and reliability of radio-frequency (RF) systems in particle accelerator and vacuum electronics applications. Multipactor behavior in a given device structure is conventionally assessed through susceptibility charts, which provide a parameter-space characterization of the instability. In this work, we assess the capabilities of machine-learning (ML) models to learn and predict such susceptibility charts and analyze the constraints governing their generalization across materials. Using a simulation-derived dataset spanning six distinct secondary-electron-yield material profiles in a canonical two-surface planar geometry, we train supervised regression models and artificial neural networks to predict the time-averaged electron growth rate, δavg, across the relevant parameter space. Model performance is evaluated using metrics that explicitly probe the structure of susceptibility charts, including Intersection over Union, Structural Similarity Index, and correlation analysis. Tree-based ensemble models outperform neural-network models in reconstructing susceptibility regions and in generalizing across material domains. Principal-component analysis reveals disjoint material feature distributions, indicating that the piecewise mode structure of multipactor susceptibility is difficult to represent with a single global model and that generalization is constrained by data coverage rather than by model complexity. An exhaustive reduced-coverage study further shows that sparse material-space coverage can yield mean performance in the same general range but producing large variability in the susceptibility-region overlap. These results clarify the capabilities of ML-based surrogate models for parameter-space characterization of multipactor discharge. They also provide guidance for their appropriate use in RF system design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2010

Nonstationary statistical theory for multipactor

This work presents a new and general approach to the real dynamics of the multipactor process: the nonstationary statistical multipactor theory. The nonstationary theory removes the stationarity assumption of the classical theory and, as a consequence, it is able to adequately model electron exponential growth as well as absorption processes, above and below the multipactor breakdown level. In addition, it considers both double-surface and single-surface interactions constituting a full framework for nonresonant polyphase multipactor analysis. This work formulates the new theory and validates it with numerical and experimental results with excellent agreement.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Multipactor susceptibility on a dielectric with a bias dc electric field and a background gas

We use Monte Carlo simulations and analytical calculations to derive the condition for the onset of multipactor discharge on a dielectric surface at various combinations of the bias dc electric field, rf electric field, and background pressures of noble gases, such as Argon. It is found that the presence of a tangential bias dc electric field on the dielectric surface lowers the magnitude of rf electric field threshold to initiate multipactor, therefore plausibly offering robust protection against high power microwaves. The presence of low pressure gases may lead to a lower multipactor saturation level, however. The combined effects of tangential dc electric field and external gases on multipactor susceptibility are presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗