MM-wave to THz vacuum electron beam devices

Abstract

MM-wave to THz vacuum electron beam device (VED) technology has substantial potential to bridge the socalled "THz gap" for high impact applications including nonintrusive detection of contraband items/explosives, > 10 Gbit/s wireless advanced communication systems, medical imaging/ diagnostics, and all weather visibility for civil aviation safety to name a few. Recent progress on the development of MM-waveTHz coherent source technology with adequate power, bandwidth, and efficiency in a compact mobile package is briefly reviewed. Two enabling technologies: high current emission density scandate cathodes and novel micro/nano-fabrication schemes are also highlighted. In this context, the UCD efforts on the development of a 0.22 THz Sheet Beam Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier (SBTWTA) are also summarized.