
Figure: hemispherical deflection analyzer example in CPO
Summary: CPO is a software application that calculates electrostatic/magnetic fields and the trajectories of charged particles through those fields, a bit like SIMION. However, CPO differs fundamentally in its powerful and highly accurate methods of calculation (Boundary Element Method--BEM), and it offers well-tested space-charge, cathode emission, dielectric, and other advanced features.
Highlights:
- Extremely accurate BEM methods proven with over 200 benchmark and other tests. See examples and publications.
- Help system that is exceptionally clear, comprehensive and supported with examples
- Developed continuously since 1974 by one of the leading research group in electrostatic systems (University of Manchester, UK).
- Vast range of capabilities and options, with advanced underlying algorithms, all at a competitive price for a high-end package.
Capabilities:
Electrostatic
field solving is done to high accuracy using the Boundary
Element Method (BEM) rather than
traditional FEM or FDM methods. The BEM has unique advantages and is
well-suited to space-charge, cathode problems and nano-structures in
the presence of large electrodes. Adaptive surface meshes get smaller
where accuracy is critical. The BEM even easily simulates fine meshes
and non-enclosed systems. Low-frequency
oscillations, such as in a quadrupole, may also be simulated.
Particle trajectories of charged
particles are calculated (Bulirsch-Stoer), accurately accounting for space-charge and
relativistic effects. Space-charge is handled with iterative
convergence tube and mesh methods--accuracy of 1% against theoretical
results have been obtained.
Cathode emissions limited by space charge
are simulated, including thermionic, field and extended Schottky
emissions. Supports Child's Law/Langmuir, Fowler-Nordheim and
Richardson-Dushman relationships, plus user-defined properties. CPO specially handles space-charge
effects at the critical cathode region.
Secondary emissions can be generated when a particle hits an electrode. The current multiplication factor and energy/angular
distributions of the secondaries are chosen by the user.
Particle scattering and losses due to
grid, background gas or secondary emissions are given in the examples
included in the scattering version of CPO. Particle-particle
scattering inside the beam is possible with the stochastic version.
User-defined routines can be written in C++.
Magnetic elements of various types such as solenoids, wire loops
and user-defined fields are available. Various contour and field plots can be displayed.
Aberration coefficients and lens properties may be calculated directly. An iterative automatic focusing option can find optimum electrode voltages.
Dielectrics calculations now available as a special module! (NEW - Nov 2006)
Learn more:
Try out CPO (FREE):
Request a free demo, and we will send you a fully working version of the CD and manual to try for ~30 days. Many examples are included and fully documented.
CPO is available from

Scientific Instrument Services, Inc.,
Authorized CPO Distributor.
See Prices and Sales.
Why CPO? What makes CPO unique from SIMION? CPO is a high-end package providing accurate calculations of space charge and space-charge limited cathode emissions, highly accurate field calculations via the Boundary Element Method (BEM), a vast number of examples, and various added benefits such as direct calculation of abberation coefficients, dielectrics, magnetic fields from wire currents, and built-in autofocusing routines. Prices start at a few thousand US $ depending on version.