Terahertz Travelling-Wave Nanotube

"We propose the development of a revolutionary terahertz traveling-wave nanotube (TTN) that will provide ultra-short wavelength radiation for numerous military and civilian applications. The proposed TTN concept uses a nanotube in conjunction with anelectron beam produced by a single micron-size emitter to produce terahertz electromagnetic radiation. The TTN should be easily fabricated using state-of-the-art solid state technology and will be a pioneering step towards combining vacuum tube technologywith solid-state nanotechnology. Some of the applications for these exciting new devices include future high-resolution radar, satellite telecommunications systems, cellular communications, and ultrahigh-speed computers. Detailed numerical, computationaland experimental analysis of this concept is proposed during Phase I in order to evaluate key issues such as bandwidth, maximum output power, efficiency and gain. Once successfully developed, the TTN will be the basis for a new generation of infraredsources capable of producing ultrahigh frequency radiation with high efficiency in an amazingly compact and lightweight package. If successful, traveling-wave nanotubes should efficiently provide coherent ultrahigh frequency radiation for manyapplications. Of particular interest are micrometer-wave sources for airborne radar, satellite communications, wireless television and communications, cellular telephones, and the next generation of