Experimental demonstration of a high power smith-purcell source using a cylindrical grating

Summary form only given. Many applications of THz radiation remain impractical or impossible due to an absence of compact sources with sufficient power. A source in which the interaction occurs between an annular electron beam and a cylindrical grating has been shown in simulations to be capable of generating very high THz power in a very compact package. The grating surface-wave produces strong beam bunching and generates significant power at the fundamental frequency and harmonics. A collaboration between Advanced Energy Systems and CEA/CESTA has been ongoing in performing proof-of-principle tests on cylindrical grating configurations producing millimeter wave radiation. Testing has been performed with a 6 mm period grating, producing power at the fundamental frequency of 15 GHz, second harmonic power at 30 GHz and although not measured, simulations show meaningful third harmonic power at 45 GHz. Comparison between simulations and the experimental results will be presented. Future plans will increase the frequency of operation to 100 GHz.