Simulation and Analysis of TE Wave Propagation as a Probe for Electron Clouds in Particle Accelerators

The use of transverse electric (TE) waves has proved to be a powerful, noninvasive method for estimating the densities of electron clouds formed in particle accelerators. Results from the plasma simulation program VORPAL have been a useful guide for experimental studies related to this method, which have been performed at various accelerator facilities. This paper provides results of the simulation and modeling work done in conjunction with experimental efforts carried out at CesrTA. The discussion starts from the phase shift induced by electron clouds in the transmission of the wave, followed by the effect of reflections along the beam-pipe, the simulation of the resonant wave method and the effects of external magnetic fields, namely dipoles and wigglers. A derivation of the dispersion relationship of wave propagation for arbitrary geometries in field free regions with a uniform cloud density is also provided.