Terahertz traveling wave device with a slow wave circuit supported by a dielectric membrane.

Traveling wave electron devices, such as backward wave oscillators and traveling wave tube amplifiers, have been used successfully in the microwave region (e.g., 3 GHz to 100 GHz). As the frequency of operation goes up, many dimensions of the device must be reduced, creating numerous fabrication challenges. Traveling wave electron devices have not generally been considered a viable solution for generating or amplifying radiation in the THz range.

A traveling wave device comprising a vacuum enclosure and an electron beam source enables electric field coupling between an electron beam emitted from the electron beam source and a mode propagating within the slow wave circuit. This device utilizes a dielectric membrane that supports the slow wave circuit where the thickness of the dielectric membrane is substantially smaller than a wavelength of operation for the traveling wave device.

Benchtop Prototype

• Offers a large tunable range in the 100 GHz - 2 THz frequency band.
• Dimensions allow for portable applications.
• Provides higher power output in the 100 GHz - 2 THz frequency band.
• Operates at room temperature and requires a smaller electron beam current density to operate.

Publication Number: US-2011-0169404-A1
Patent Title: Traveling Wave Electron Device with Membrane-Supported Slow Wave Circuit
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu