Model evaluations of multipactor suppression in rectangular waveguides through grooved surfaces and static magnetic field

Abstract

Mitigation of multipactor in waveguides is of importance, and strategies have included the addition of external fields, materials engineering, or surface modifications. Here, geometry modifications of rectangular waveguide surfaces and the application of an axial magnetic field are investigated for suppressing multipactor growth. A Monte Carlo approach has been used to simulate electron dynamics. The empirical secondary electrons yield is modeled based on a modified Vaughan approach. The electric fields driving electron transport were derived from separate electromagnetic calculations to adequately include field perturbations due to the presence of surface patterns in the rectangular waveguide structure. Combinations of grooves and a DC magnetic field are shown to effectively mitigate multipactor growth at field strengths up to ∼10^5 V/m. Finding optimal combinations for an arbitrary field and operating frequency requires further work.