Recent evolution of the simulation tools for computer aided design of electron-optical systems for powerful gyrotrons

Computer aided design of powerful gyrotrons for electron cyclotron resonance heating and current drive of fusion plasmas requires adequate physical models and efficient software packages for analysis, comparison and optimization of their electron-optical systems through numerical experiments. In this paper, we present and discuss the current status of the simulation tools available to the researchers involved in the development of multi-megawatt gyrotrons for the ITER project, review some of their recent upgrades and formulate directions for further modifications and improvements. Illustrative examples used represent results from recent numerical investigations of real constructions. Some physical problems that are outside of the capabilities of the existing computer programs and call for development of novel generation of codes are also examined. The ongoing work in this direction as well as the most characteristic features of the codes under development are briefly reviewed.