Novel Photonic Crystal slow wave structures for sub-mm/THz wave-generation application

An all metallic Axial load Double Defected-Photonic Crystal (ADD-PC) with a cylindrical beam channel, suitable for use as a Slow Wave Structure (SWS) in Cherenkov radiation-based oscillator/amplifier, is introduced. The design of a metallic SWS high power millimeter/THz source, with a superior thermal conductivity and the dimensions, which are full realizable using existing fabrication technique, is presented. Proceeding from the band diagram, the dispersion properties and modal phase velocity of the proposed SWS are calculated. Employing a 3D printing technology and metallic coating, a scaled prototype of the proposed SWS was fabricated. Using the resonance method and a custom built probe-wheel radiator, the cold test of the SWS was performed. The scattering parameters results are in a good agreement with the theoretical predication for the slow wave propagation.