Computer optimized design of electron guns

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. (CCR) and North Carolina State University are developing optimization techniques for advanced, 3D, electron guns. Our approach uses advanced solid modeling CAD programs capable of controlling geometrical parameters with design tables manipulated by an optimization control program. Geometrical and parametric changes are simulated using a 3D, finite element, adaptive meshing charged particle program. Results of the beam analysis are analyzed and an optimization routine modifies the parameters to obtain user-defined performance goals. These techniques are applied to a number of gun geometries, and the results are described.