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Accurate Numerical Models of the Secondary Electron Yield from Grazing-Incidence Collisions--Tech-X Corporation, 5621 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite A, Boulder, CO  80301; 303-448-0728, www.techxhome.com

Dr. Dan T. Abell, Principal Investigator, dabell@txcorp.com

Dr. John R. Cary, Business Official, cary@txcorp.com

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83797

Amount:  $749,647

Interactions with unwanted electrons are a major limiting factor in the performance of ion accelerators.  A main source of these electrons is collisions at grazing incidence between the ions and the beam pipe walls.  Computer modeling could be used to examine this problem, but the codes in the heavy-ion fusion community presently do not have the capability to model grazing-incidence collisions accurately.  This project will develop accurate numerical models of grazing-incidence collisions between ions and walls.  The improved models would provide heavy-ion fusion simulation codes with an ability to determine ways for mitigating the effects of unwanted electrons.  In Phase I, a model of surface roughness was implemented in an ion-material interaction code, a model of electron yield was derived from the surface roughness model, and the electron yield model was validated against experimental results.  Then, the electron yield model was combined with a particle tracking code, and models of ion scattering were developed based on ion-material interaction simulations.  Finally, a new code was prototyped to calculate electron yield from ion-material interaction.  In Phase II, tables of data will be created for the ions, materials, energies, and angles important to heavy-ion fusion; ion scattering and rough surface models will be added to a new ion-material interaction code; and additional features (steering with a popular scripting language, graphical user interface, computer-aided design) to facilitate building and using the code will be added.  

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  Potential commercial applications would include sales of an improved ion-material interaction code to the health care industry.  In addition the expertise in gained in electron effects should provide for potential consulting work in the accelerator industry.