Simulations of Currents in X-band Accelerator Structures Using 2d and 3d Particle-in-cell Code

Accelerating gradient is one of the crucial parameters affecting design, construction and cost of next-generation linear accelerators. For a specified final energy, the gradient sets the accelerator length, and for a given accelerating structure and pulse repetition rate it determines power consumption. Accelerating gradients on the order of 100 MV/m have been reached in short ( 20 cm) standing wave and traveling wave X-band accelerating structures [1, 2, 3]. But recent experiments have shown damage to traveling wave accelerating structures at gradients as low as 50 MV/m after 1000 hours of operation [4]. RF breakdown is a probable cause of this damage. An extensive experimental and theoretical program to determine a safe operating gradient for the Next Linear Collider (NLC) is under way in SLAC. The present work is a part of that program.