3-D LSP simulations of the PIM induction cell

Summary form only given. PIM is a Blumlein driven IVA (Inductive Voltage Adder) accelerator with each induction cell operating at up to 1.5 MV. Each cell is fed at a single point and hence has some asymmetry (greater than 20%) in the current flow into the bore where a MITL (Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line) feeds the output pulse to an electron beam diode load. The LSP 3D particle in cell code has been used to model the PIM induction cell and its predictions for the current asymmetry were compared with experimental data obtained from monitors in the outer (anode) of the MITL. The code also predicts what the associated asymmetry should be for the MITL and load impedances that have been used on the accelerator with results that contrast significantly with those for the smaller bore cells (35 rather than 67 cm bore) used in Sandia National Laboratory´s RITS machine. The modelling was also used to determine a possible, and relatively simple, method of reducing the asymmetry to only a few percent that will be the subject of further design work.