SOW RFI.pdf

Naval Research Laboratory

4555 Overlook Avenue SW

Washington DC, 20375-5329

Code 6850

Highly Efficient Algorithms for Vacuum Electronic Device Modeling

Statement of Work (SOW)

22 May 2023

PR # (remove when RFP # identified)

RFP N00173-XX-R-XXXX

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Date: XX/XX/XXXX

Statement of Work

STATEMENT OF WORK

(Highly Efficient Algorithms for Vacuum Electronic Device Modeling)

Table of Contents

Section 1. Introduction and Background

Section 2 Objective/ Scope

Section 3 - Requirements

Section 4 Assumptions

Section 5 Security Requirements

Section 6. Key Personnel/Level of Efforts

Section 7 GFM/GFP

Section 8. Data Rights Assertions:

Section 9. Period of Performance/Proffered Order Type GFM/GFP

Section 10 Deliverables

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Statement of Work

Section 1. Introduction and Background

The Electromagnetic Technology Branch within Electronics Science and Technology

Division (ESTD), Code 6800, of the Naval Research Laboratory is the principal DoD center for technology of radiofrequency (RF) vacuum electronic devices. The Branch conducts research and development programs in vacuum electronics and related technologies that support Navy and

DoD interests and capabilities in the full range of electronic combat functions. Moreover, the

Branch administers the Navy exploratory development program in compact microwave and millimeter-wave power amplifier technologies, and cathode technologies, and serves as the focal point for the insertion of vacuum electronic technology into Navy engineering development efforts. Branch technical programs span a wide range of issues affecting vacuum electronics.

Research objectives include investigations of beam-wave interactions that result in the generation of coherent electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range extending from the ultra-high frequencies (UHF) to the far infrared; high brightness beam optics; surface science related to electron emission mechanisms; RF materials, millimeter wave component technology; thermal management; vacuum microelectronics; and advanced computational techniques for modeling electronic devices.

The Electromagnetics Technology Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) develops new vacuum electronic (VE) devices with advanced performance for Navy and

Department of Defense (DoD) applications. Electron beam energies span the range from non-relativistic to fully relativistic and include both axisymmetric single-beam and spatially-distributed electron beam topologies. Beam propagation may take place in vacuum or in the presence of a background gas. Examples of relevant device types are traveling-wave amplifiers based on helix, coupled-cavity, and folded-/serpentine-waveguide interaction circuits; klystrons and extended interaction klystrons; klystrodes and inductive output tubes; crossed-field amplifiers and magnetrons; magnetically insulated line oscillators; backward wave oscillators;

and gyro-devices.

The goal of this requirement is to develop, validate and apply to design and analysis of

VE devices highly efficient algorithms for scientific and engineering support of vacuum electronics research in the Electromagnetics Technology Branch.

Section 2 Objective/ Scope.

The creation of new theoretical models and simulation tools is critical to the rapid and cost-effective development of new VE devices to meet the needs of the Navy/DoD. The scope of this work includes theoretical and experimental VE research required to create new simulation tools;

maintain and/or expand the functionality of existing/developmental NRL design codes; and create or analyze novel passive and active device designs. The work includes the development of new theory and improved algorithms; the implementation of algorithms into existing and developing NRL codes; the testing and validation of predictions from the improved codes against measured data and/or other codes; and the development and analysis of new VE designs.

Computational approaches of interest include 2D/3D particle-in-cell (PIC) codes; physics-based parametric and hybrid approaches; and run-time acceleration using graphics processing units

(GPUs). A key goal of this research is to develop a suite of integrated, user-friendly design tools that will reduce the time and cost of VE device development for the Navy/DoD.

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Statement of Work

Section 3 - Requirements

The Contractor shall conduct research in the following five major task areas;

(1) Theoretical Analysis and Development of Algorithms and Computational Models;

(2) Implementation of Algorithms and Models and their Verification and Validation;

(3) Application of Algorithms and Models;

(4) Experimental Data Collection for Model Validation;

(5) Code Support and Maintenance

3.1. Task 1. Theoretical Analysis and Development of Algorithms and Computational

Models

3.1.1. Computational Models and Efficient Algorithms for Advanced VE Devices

3.1.1.1. The Contractor shall develop physics-based computationally efficient

1D/2D/3D models for vacuum electronic devices with advanced designs of beam-wave interaction regions including interaction with axisymmetric electron beams (e.g.

pencil beams or annular beams), spatially-distributed electron beams (e.g. multiple parallel beams or sheet beams), cascaded interaction with several beams in parallel structures, and interaction in coupled arrays of VE amplifiers and oscillators.

3.1.1.2. The Contractor shall incorporate the models developed under 1.1.1 task into new codes or existing codes such as the NRL CHRISTINE family of large-signal traveling-wave tube (TWT) codes and the NRL TESLA family of large-signal hybrid codes. The algorithms and code implementations should be capable of efficient, automatic data exchange with 2D/3D electron gun and collector codes.

3.1.2. Parallel and GPU-Based Algorithms for VE Device Models

3.1.2.1. The Contractor shall develop stable, efficient algorithms for particle integration and for the solution of Poisson’s equation in one (axial), two (axial and radial) and three (axial, radial, azimuthal) dimensions that are able to take advantage of multi-core central processing units (CPUs) and/or graphics processing units (GPUs) to reduce computational times;

3,1.2.2. The Contractor shall incorporate the algorithms in new codes or existing codes such as the NRL CHRISTINE family of large-signal TWT codes and the NRL

TESLA family of large-signal hybrid codes. The algorithms and code implementations should be capable of efficient, automatic data exchange with 2D/3D electron gun and collector codes.

3.1.3. Algorithms for Stability Analysis of High Power VE Amplifiers

3.1.3.1. The Contractor shall develop algorithms to enable the evaluation of the stability of coupled-cavity and folded-waveguide TWTs to band-edge oscillation at or near the pi and 2pi frequencies under conditions of zero radio-frequency (RF) drive power;

3.1.3.2. The Contractor shall develop algorithms to enable the evaluation of the stability of coupled-cavity and folded-waveguide TWTs to band edge oscillation at or near the pi and 2pi frequencies under conditions of high RF drive power (“drive induced oscillation”);

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3.1.3.3. The Contractor shall develop algorithms to enable the evaluation of the stability of coupled-cavity and folded-waveguide TWTs to backward-wave oscillation, and (4) regenerative in-band oscillation.

3.1.3.4. The Contractor shall implement the developed algorithms in new codes or existing codes such as the NRL CHRISTINE family of large-signal hybrid codes.

3.1.4. Models and Algorithms for Electron Emission

3.1.4.1. The Contractor shall develop computationally efficient models and algorithms for field emission, photoemission, emission from graphene, and other 2D materials suitable for further implementation in codes including but not limited to MICHELLE;

the NRL CHRISTINE family of hybrid codes; the NRL TESLA family of hybrid codes; and the NRL NEPTUNE PIC code. Alternatively, the models and algorithms may be required to be realized as stand-alone routines capable of efficient, automatic data exchange with codes such as MICHELLE, NRL CHRISTINE, NRL TESLA, and

NRL NEPTUNE.

3.1.5. Algorithms for Tolerance Analysis and Optimization

3.1.5.1. The Contractor shall develop Algorithms to predict the effects of finite fabrication tolerances and small variations in material properties in millimeter-wave slow-wave circuits, including the effects on small-signal gain and phase for forward and backward wave interactions to control stability of the amplifiers;

3.1.5.2. The Contractor shall develop Algorithms to predict the effects on beam transport and interception current of small fabrication and/or alignment errors of the electron gun and focusing system using the 2D/3D electron optics code (e.g.

MICHELLE or an equivalent code);

3.1.5.3. The Contractor shall develop Optimization algorithms to create structure designs that minimize the sensitivity to the effects of fabrication tolerances. Successful algorithms shall demonstrate both accuracy and computational efficiency.

3.1.6. Algorithms for Device Performance Optimization

3.1.6.1. The Contractor shall develop algorithms to optimize VE device performance according to user-defined single and/or multiple criteria including but not limited to peak RF power; bandwidth; efficiency; amplitude and/or phase linearity; and gain flatness over a specified frequency range. Successful algorithms shall demonstrate both accuracy and computational efficiency.

3.1.7. Models and Algorithms for Electron Beam Propagation and Beam-Wave

Interaction

3.1.7.1. The Contractor shall develop computational models and algorithms to simulate the transport of an electron beam in vacuum and/or in the presence of a background gas;

3.1.7.2. The Contractor shall develop computational models and algorithms to simulate the interaction of the electron beam with the electromagnetic waves supported by a circuit structure and/or plasma.

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3.1.8. Models and Algorithms for Electromagnetic Wave Scattering in Complex

Structures

3.1.8.1. The Contractor shall develop models and algorithms toward applications of electromagnetic wave chaos in structures and systems where integrable solutions of ray scattering do not apply, necessitating a statistical approach. The goal is practical application of wave chaos to the prediction of coupling, reverberation decay, information fidelity and spatiotemporal focusing in such structures. A practical outcome would be to provide the theoretical basis for predicting coupling statistics with minimum information about small-scale perturbations in the cavity boundaries.

3.2. Task 2. Implementation of Algorithms and Models and Their Verification and

Validation

The Contractor shall establish test methodologies, test cases, and code validation strategies to demonstrate the accuracy, effectiveness, and computational efficiencies of the models and algorithms developed in Task 1. Code validation strategies should include comparison with experimental data; comparison with the predictions of other codes; and comparison with analytic models.

3.2.1. Parallel and GPU Based Algorithms for VE Devices

The Contractor shall establish a test methodology and create a series of benchmark cases with quantifiable metrics to assess the accuracy and effectiveness of the parallel and GPU based algorithms developed and implemented in Tasks 1.1 and 1.2.

3.2.2. Stability of High Power Amplifiers

2.2.1. The Contractor shall compare and document predictions of the threshold current for zero drive stability of VE devices obtained from NRL CHRISTINE and/or NRL

TESLA simulations to predictions from the theoretical models developed under Task

1.3; from other 1D and 2D frequency domain codes; and from 3D time domain particle-in-cell simulations using the NRL NEPTUNE code.

2.2.2. The Contractor shall compare and document predictions of the threshold current for drive–induced instabilities of VE devices obtained from NRL CHRISTINE and/or

NRL TESLA simulations to predictions from the theoretical models developed under

Task 1.3; from other 1D and 2D frequency domain codes; and from 3D time domain particle-in-cell simulations using the NRL NEPTUNE code.

3.2.3. Tolerance Analysis and Optimization

3.2.3.1. The Contractor shall implement the optimization algorithms developed in

Task 1.5 to be suitable for operation together with MICHELLE and the NRL

CHRISTINE, NRL TESLA, and NRL NEPTUNE codes.

3.2.3.2. The Contractor shall systematically evaluate the relative merits of selected optimization algorithms for application to vacuum electronics. Algorithms shall be evaluated for their speed and their success in finding optimum design points including the ability to predict the sensitivity of the point design to manufacturing and material tolerances.

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3.2.3.3. The Contractor shall evaluate existing software to establish a standard method to interrogate parametrically defined geometries for the purpose of enabling auto-scanning of geometrical parameters (lengths and/or angles) and auto-meshing in gun and collector simulations using MICHELLE (or an equivalent gun/collector design code).

3.2.4. Models and Algorithms for Electron Emission

The Contractor shall implement the algorithms and models developed in Task 1 in

MICHELLE and the NRL CHRISTINE, NRL TESLA, and NRL NEPTUNE codes and/or implement them as stand-alone routines capable of automatic data exchange with

MICHELLE/CHRISTINE/TESLA/NEPTUNE). The models shall be verified by comparison with experimental measurements of electron emission properties.

3.3. Task 3. Application of Algorithms and Models

The Contractor shall use the theory, algorithms, and codes developed and validated in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing NRL codes and/or commercial codes to design and analyze passive and active components with operating parameters to be determined in consultation with

NRL.

3.3.1. Advanced Amplifier Design

3.3.1.1. The Contractor shall apply the suite of improved simulation codes incorporating the algorithms developed and validated in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing NRL codes or commercial codes to design advanced vacuum electronic amplifiers with operating parameters to be determined in consultation with NRL.

3.3.1.2. The Contractor shall apply the suite of improved simulation codes incorporating the algorithms developed in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing

NRL codes or commercial codes to validate designs of advanced vacuum electronic amplifiers provided by NRL.

3.3.2. Advanced Oscillator Design

3.3.2.1. The Contractor shall apply the suite of improved simulation codes incorporating the algorithms developed and validated in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing NRL codes or commercial codes to design advanced vacuum electronic and high power microwave oscillators with operating parameters to be determined in consultation with NRL.

3.3.2.2. The Contractor shall apply the suite of improved simulation codes incorporating the algorithms developed in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing

NRL codes or commercial codes to validate designs of advanced vacuum electronic and high power microwave oscillators provided by NRL.

3.3.3. RF Component Design

3.3.3.1. The Contractor shall apply existing NRL and commercial electromagnetic and circuit design codes to the analysis of novel circuits for application in amplifiers and oscillators with operating parameters to be determined by NRL.

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3.3.3.2. The Contractor shall apply existing NRL and commercial electromagnetic and circuit design codes to the design of a high power passive components with operating parameters to be determined by NRL.

3.3.3.3. The Contractor shall apply existing NRL and commercial electromagnetic and circuit design codes to the design of active RF circuits with operating parameters to be determined by NRL.

3.3.4. Electromagnetic Wave Scattering in Complex Structures

3.3.4.1. The Contractor shall apply the theory, algorithms, and codes developed and validated in Tasks 1 and 2 in combination with existing NRL codes or commercial codes to analyze electromagnetic wave scattering in complex structures with minimum information about small-scale perturbations in the structure boundaries.

3.3.4.2. The Contractor shall compare simulation results to experimental measurements of statistical properties of electromagnetic fields in complex structures.

3.4. Task 4. Experimental Data Collection for Model Validation

The Contractor shall collect experimental data from sources such as NRL, the U.S. VE industry, academia, and open literature publications to validate and assess the accuracy of the algorithms and codes developed in Tasks 1 and 2. Experimental data includes both passive S-parameter and dispersion measurements and active device performance data.

3.5. Task 5. Code Support and Maintenance

The Contractor shall maintain and provide code support to existing and developmental NRL codes. Maintenance and code support includes code distribution, documentation, training, bug fixes, and end-user support.

Section 4 Assumptions

4.1. The publication and/or presentation of UNCLASSIFIED results at professional conferences such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Vacuum

Electronics Conference (IVEC) and IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) is encouraged, subject to approval by NRL.

4.2. The specific parameters of some passive and/or active devices may be classified at the

SECRET level. Also, to align the work of the Contractor with mission requirements and to coordinate his/her work with government subject matter experts, it may be necessary to engage in classified discussions with the Contractor and to access classified information at the SECRET level.

4.3. The Contractor will be granted access to sources of NRL codes and to NRL technical data about devices performance as needed for implementation of the developed algorithms and models and for their verification and validation.

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Section 5 Security Requirements

5.1. All Contractor personnel who require NRL base access or access to NRL unclassified material and/or unclassified systems shall possess a favorably completed DoD Tier 3 investigation.

5.2. Contractors who require access to Secret material must have, at a minimum, a favorably completed DoD Tier 3 investigation and final DoD granted Secret security clearance the time of proposal submission.

5.3. The Contractor shall ensure that all classified material is handled in accordance with the issued DD 254, the National Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (DoD 5220.22M) and all NRL and applicable Security Program Guides/Directives. All contractors (including subcontractors) identified in the Statement of Work shall supplement their current security practices by requiring any personnel involved in executing the contract to complete Government-sponsored and administered Operations Security (OPSEC) training, OPSE-1301 and any OPSEC guidance that may pertain to the project.

Section 6. Key Personnel/Level of Efforts

Labor Category Hourly Rate

Hours

(Annually)

Cost ($)

Senior

Researcher/Program

Manager

252.30 832 209,913.60

Senior Researcher i 172.00 300 51,600.00

Senior Researcher ii 172.00 300 51,600.00

Scientist/Engineer 161.10 1248 201,052.80

Program Financial

Control

112.52 52 5,835.00

Project Manager 114.19 52 5,938.00

Contract Manager 154.50 52 8,034.00

Total 533,973.00

The recommended qualifications of the key personnel:

6.1. Principal Investigator (Project Manager): Key Personnel

a. MS (PhD preferred) in physical or mathematical science or engineering.

b. Minimum of five years of experience directly related to development of computer codes.

c. Minimum of a five year record of technical publications in referred journals.

d. Minimum of a five year record of technical presentations.

e. Minimum of five years of experience in managing technical programs, including but not limited to, managing personnel, managing budgets, balancing priorities, and communicating problems and results to government sponsors.

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6.2. Senior Research Scientist/Consulting Senior Research Scientist: Key

Personnel

a. MS (PhD preferred) or equivalent experience in physical science or engineering.

b. Minimum of five years of related work experience, or a related advanced degree.

c. Minimum of a five year record of technical publications or internal reports.

d. Minimum of a five year record of technical presentations or internal briefings.

e. Demonstrated ability to convey results to the engineering or scientific community.

6.3. Scientist/Engineer: Key Personnel

a. MS (PhD preferred) or equivalent experience in physical science or engineering.

b. Minimum of five years of related work experience, or a related advanced degree.

c. Minimum of a five year record of technical publications or internal reports.

d. Minimum of a five year record of technical presentations or internal briefings

e. Demonstrated ability to convey results to the engineering or scientific community.

Section 7 GFM/GFP

Equipment DOES NOT include government furnished property

Section 8. Data Rights Assertions:

The Government shall have unlimited rights in source codes, computer software, software documentation, and technical data developed under this requirement.

Section 9. Period of Performance/Proffered Order Type GFM/GFP

60 months after contract award, Cost Plus Fixed Fee Terms

Section 10 Deliverables

CDRL Data Item Frequency

A001 Contractor Labor Report Monthly

A002 Financial Status Report Monthly

A003 Technical and Data Analysis, Reports, Procedures, And Presentation Materials, including software and hardware developed herein

ASREQ