Numerical simulation of intense helical electron beams with the calculation of the velocity distribution functions

The method of calculation of intense helical electron beams which allows to find the distribution function of electrons with respect to their transverse (oscillatory) and longitudinal velocities is developed. The initial velocity distribution function can be arbitrary. The data obtained in numerical simulation and experimental measurements for beams with various topologies are compared. The evolution of the transverse velocity distribution function with the beam current growth is traced. It is found that the transformation of the velocity distribution function may indicate a possible instability in a real beam.