Folded waveguide traveling wave tube sources for THz radiation

Summary form only given, as follows. The terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum 300-3000 GHz in frequency or 0.1-10 mm free space wavelength) has enormous potential for high-data-rate communications, advanced electronics materials spectroscopy, space research, medicine, biology, surveillance, and remote sensing. A critical roadblock to full exploitation of the THz band is a paucity of compact, powerful (1-1000 mW) coherent radiation sources that are efficient (> 1%), frequency agile (instantaneous bandwidth > 1%), reliable and comparatively inexpensive. To address this need, we are investigating folded wavegulde traveling wave tubes (FWGTWTs). These FWCTWTs combine the power density and high frequency advantages of vacuum electronics with the powerful microfabrication methods of MEMS and solid state electronics.