Numerical modeling of large-area electron-beam diodes for KrF lasers

Particle-in-cell simulations are used to model large-area, electron-beam diodes that pump krypton-fluoride (KrF) laser cells. The simulations include models for following the energy loss and scattering of beam electrons in foils, gas, and support structures. Estimates of energy deposition to the various components of the diode system are obtained and compared with available experimental data. The simulations are in very good agreement with the Faraday cup measurements of electron-beam transport in the KrF gas. Additionally, global energy deposited in the KrF gas predicted from the simulations is in good agreement with experimental measurements for several different diode configurations. The results from this work benchmark and establish the computational procedure as an important tool from which future KrF laser systems can be developed. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.