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DOE OSTI · 3030752

Machine Learning for Multipactor Susceptibility Prediction in Planar RF Gaps

Abstract

Multipactor discharge is a nonlinear electron avalanche that limits the performance of high-power radio-frequency (RF) and vacuum electronic devices. Predicting multipactor susceptibility traditionally relies on Monte Carlo or particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, which become computationally expensive for large parametric studies. In this work, we present a supervised machine-learning (ML) framework for prediction of multipactor susceptibility in a two-surface planar geometry. The models are trained using high-fidelity PIC simulation generated susceptibility data and learn the relationship between operational parameters, geometry, and material-dependent secondary electron emission properties. The proposed approach enables rapid reconstruction of susceptibility charts while preserving the physical structure of multipactor growth regions.

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Iqbal, Asif [University of Michigan], Verboncoeur, John [Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States)], Zhang, Peng [University of Michigan]. 2026-04-23. Machine Learning for Multipactor Susceptibility Prediction in Planar RF Gaps. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3030752

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