The cylindrical virtual cathode reflex triode (CVCRT) is a new type of pulsed hard x-ray load characterized by high radiation conversion efficiency and a simple structure. When connected in series or parallel as an array, it can generate a high-fluence, large-area, uniform hard x-ray field. Numerical simulation is an important technical approach for the design and regulation of the radiation field of CVCRT arrays. However, due to the multitude of involved physical processes and the complex electromagnetic, particle, and radiation environments, the original simulations of radiation field intensity exhibit significant discrepancies compared to experimental results. This study presents modifications to the original simulation method: a phased modeling approach for the array load operation was adopted, incorporating the influence of cathode plasma expansion on the impedance load characteristics. Electron energy loss verification was performed across different models, and the spatial superposition method for the radiation field was refined. Consequently, a new simulation methodology for the radiation field of CVCRT arrays was established. Compared with experimental data, the mean relative error for the simulated photon fluence was 7.0%, and the simulation accuracy of the radiation field intensity was significantly enhanced compared to the original simulation method. This improved simulation method provides a more accurate basis for the design of CVCRT array-type loads.
Zhang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.