Novel Terahertz Sources for Advanced Terahertz Power: Nanoklystrons and nanoTWTs

The region of the millimeter and submillimeter-wave frequency bands, from 100 GHz to 3 THz, often referred to as the terahertz region, are some of the least explored and yet information rich regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and are ripe for development. Compact, efficient, and potentially portable terahertz and millimeter wave devices and systems will be needed for a wide variety of DoD and commercial requirements and applications. A promising and tantalizing approach proposed here for achieving relatively high output power, small size and low prime power portable terahertz sources is to apply microfabrication, micromachining and MEMS technology and techniques to the fabrication of vacuum electronic terahertz sources such as highly novel and promising nanoklystrons and nanoTWTs. This will be the primary focus of the proposed STTR effort on novel terahertz sources for advanced terahertz power. A highly experienced submillimeter and terahertz frequency region has been assembled for this terahertz sources STTR effort. High density carbon nanotube arrays will be used as the electron emitter for the nanoklystrons and nanoTWTs.