3D simulations of secondary electron generation and transport in a diamond amplifier for photocathodes

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) contributes fundamental advances to nuclear physics by colliding a wide range of ions. A novel electron cooling section, which is a key component of the proposed luminosity upgrade for RHIC, requires the acceleration of high-charge electron bunches with low emittance and energy spread. A promising candidate for the electron source is the recently developed concept of a high quantum efficiency photoinjector with a diamond amplifier. We have started to implement algorithms, within the VORPAL particle-in-cell framework, for modeling of secondary electron and hole generation, and for charge transport in diamond. The algorithms include elastic and various inelastic scattering processes over a wide range of charge carrier energies. Initial results from the implemented capabilities will be presented and discussed.