Tech-X Corporation

At LANL, we have several modeling needs ranging from calculating far-field antenna patterns to the gain of dielectric traveling-wave tubes. These are complex problems and we were unable to set up accurate models with the previous numerical tools we were using. After seeing Tech-X’s result at a conference, we decided to try it. We have been very impressed with its broad capabilities, intuitive feel, and ease of use. It’s a great code and we anticipate using it for all of our future needs.

Thanks to the vast array of capabilities available through VSim, including both physics and its parallel computation, we were able to accurately predict the erosion profiles from our current designs and VSim continues to allow us to optimize our designs for the future. The support staff at Tech-X was also extremely helpful during the initial set-up and modeling process.

Previous simulation results for the A15 cavity showed a 2.8 MHz discrepancy with experimental measurements in the resonant frequency of the pi mode. Understanding this discrepancy was difficult but made much easier with the use of VSim [then called VORPAL]. Working with Tech-X scientists, we discovered machining errors which, while within initially specified tolerances, were never accounted for in previous simulations. Once this was corrected in the simulation, we saw an accuracy of 1 part in 104 in the resonance frequency of the pi mode. Understanding this discrepancy improved our confidence in, and understanding the process of, designing these key components for the next generation of accelerators.