Advanced particle-in-cell techniques for pulsed power device and hedp simulation

Understanding the operation of pulse power systems and components, magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs), plasma accelerators and high power diodes require accurate modeling of evolving electron flow and plasma motion. Challenges include gas breakdown, surface physics, high energy density plasma, interaction of energetic particles with surfaces, and complex geometries. In this paper, we will discuss the new capabilities and discuss the enabling algorithms.