Terahertz (THz) Source Development

A sheet-beam vacuum electronic device (VED) is proposed as a potential compact THz power source for bridging the gap between low-power photonic sources and large-size, high-voltage sources. The Phase-I key objective is the demonstration via advanced computer codes of feasibility of the formation and transport of a high quality sheet beam, the generation of THz power, and efficient spent-beam power recovery with a single-stage depressed collector. Successful completion of this project will result in the design and a detailed program plan for the Phase-II development and demonstration of a compact, medium-power, sheet-beam based THz Vacuum Electronic Device. As discussed in details in the proposal, careful attention will be paid to ensure that the resulting design is compatible with potential and existing micro-fabrication techniques for a successful Phase-II implementation.