High-Power Terahertz Cerenkov Traveling-Wave Amplifier

Analysis and computations will be carried out to refine the design for a THz Cerenkov traveling-wave amplifier, in which a rectangular dielectric-lined waveguide comprises the slow-wave structure. Preliminary calculations for a 0.5 THz point design indicate that high gain and high bandwidth can be achieved, with an average power output of 10's of watts, and an efficiency of a few percent. This device has a major advantage over existing gyrotron 10's of watts THz sources in that no superconducting magnet is needed; and that weight, size, and cost are smaller than alternative laser-based technologies by considerable factors. The rectangular dielectric circuit design allows for straightforward realization of precision micron-scale tolerences, for effective suppression of undesired modes, and for good access for input and output couplers. The Phase I design is to form the basis for engineering development and construction of one or more proof-of-principle prototypes in Phase II.