Broad-tunable terahertz source with over-mode waveguide driven by train of electron bunches

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Engineering

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) radiation offers unique properties for various applications.
• Existing THz sources often lack broad tunability or are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel, compact, and broadly tunable free electron terahertz radiation source.
• To achieve tunable terahertz radiation from 0.1 THz to 1.2 THz using a single structure.

Main Methods:

• Generating a train of electron bunches with tunable bunching frequency using a photocathode DC-gun and tunable laser pulses.
• Exciting an over-mode waveguide with these electron bunches to couple diverse guided modes into radiation.
• Controlling the radiation frequency by adjusting the electron bunching frequency.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a tunable free electron terahertz radiation source.
• Achieved a broad frequency tunability range from 0.1 THz to 1.2 THz.
• The proposed source is compact and easier to achieve compared to existing technologies.

Conclusions:

• The proposed free electron source provides a compact and broadly tunable solution for terahertz radiation generation.
• This technology has the potential for widespread adoption in THz applications requiring frequency flexibility.