The untapped potential of computer modeling for solving challenges in microwave electronics

The paper reviews current methods for simulating complex physical processes in vacuum electron devices. For research aimed at gaining the most insight into the nonlinear beam-wave interaction mechanism, we used numerical-analytical mathematical models based on a self-consistent set of motion equations (describing charge-particle motion), the Poisson equation (describing the space-charge field), and the excitation equation (describing changes in RF field amplitudes). The development stages of these models and a detailed design scenario for microwave devices are outlined. To verify the accuracy of this scenario, we focused research and design efforts on several microwave devices, particularly a magnetron gun with a cold cathode and a two-stage magnetron. The computer modeling results closely align with the experimental data.