Advanced modeling of RF cavities and components for e+e- colliders

The increasingly demanding design requirements of the next-generation particle accelerators have placed heavy emphasis on the accuracy and reliability of RF computer programs in order that accelerator components can be modeled and analyzed with greater confidence. Presently popular codes are inefficient in handling complex geometrical shapes, or are limited in their ability to solve large scale problems. The Numerical Modeling Group at SLAC has an ongoing effort to develop advanced numerical tools that specifically address these issues through the use of unstructured grids and multi-processing capability. This tool set consists of both time-domain (Tau) and frequency-domain (Omega) modules that calculate the standard circuit parameters of RF cavities and traveling wave structures. We will present some of the unique features (e.g. geometry from solid model, adaptive refinement, parallel processing) being included in these programs, and will show results from their use in cavity and component design for e+e- colliders such as the NLC (Next Linear Collider). (author)