Precision ion optics of axisymmetric electric systems

A comprehensive computer package for the calculation and simulation of charged-particle dynamics in electromagnetic fields has been developed and tested. The program provides a user-friendly and flexible interface for visualizing particle dynamics using phase space diagrams, which are essential for complete understanding of a beam optics system. The program performs an accurate finite difference computation of a user-defined boundary value problem (in the form of a grid) followed by a high-order Runge-Kutta numerical integration of the equations of motion to evaluate the particle dynamics within the field. The program is unique in its combination of these flexible finite calculation techniques with the parallel processing of particle ensembles in order to display phase space diagrams.After extensive testing, the program has been used to design a low emittance ion source and an ion beam deceleration system for high-efficiency ion collection. The program has also been used to analyze a radiofrequency quadrupole collisional focusing system using ion mobility concepts