Development of new generation software tools for simulation of electron beam formation in novel high power gyrotrons

Computer aided design (CAD) based on numerical experiments performed by using adequate physical models and efficient simulation codes is an indispensable tool for development, investigation, and optimization of gyrotrons used as radiation sources for electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) of fusion plasmas. In this paper, we review briefly the state-of-the-art in the field of modelling and simulation of intense, relativistic, helical electron beams formed in the electron-optical systems (EOS) of powerful gyrotrons. We discuss both the limitations of the known computer codes and the requirements for increasing their capabilities for solution of various design problems that are being envisaged in the development of the next generation gyrotrons for ECRH. Moreover, we present the concept followed by us in an attempt to unite the advantages of the modern programming techniques with self-consistent, first-principles 3D physical models in the creation of a new highly efficient and versatile software package for simulation of powerful gyrotrons.