Numerical modeling and simulation of electron and ion flow in pulsed power diodes

Pulsed power diodes have recently been used to generate intense ion beams with power levels approaching 1.0 TW [1]. As discussed in the papers presented by Drs. Cooperstein and Mosher in this conference, these beams are being considered for driving inertial-confinement-fusion pellets. The characteristics of the ion beams that can be generated are important in determining their suitability for focussing, transport and axial compression. The quality of the beams produced is a strong function of the detailed flow of electrons and ion in the diode itself and can be influenced by the specific geometry of the diode region. Because the behavior of diodes is a complicated nonlinear problem, numerical simulation modeling is required. Several simulation codes have been developed and used to study the flow of electrons and ions in a variety of devices and diode loads.