Terahertz traveling wave tube amplifiers as high-power local oscillators for large heterodyne receiver arrays

Christian Y. Drouet D'Aubigny, Christopher K. Walker, Abram G. Young, Paul Gensheimer, Dathon R. Golish, Christopher Groppi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The size of existing and projected submillimeter heterodyne receiver arrays is rapidly increasing. As receiver arrays grow ever larger, the local oscillator power they require increases as well. We have developed Terahertz (THz) Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA) that promise to provide more than enough power in the 200 to 700 GHz frequency range to pump the largest arrays being planned for submillimeter telescopes. This technology combines revolutionary carbon nanotube cathodes and electron gun design with unique software modeling and micro-fabrication capabilities. We review key enabling technologies that make this breakthrough possible, present the design, realization, computer models and preliminary results of the THz TWT we have fabricated at 220 and 350 GHz.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMillimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy V
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventMillimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy V - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 29 2010Jul 2 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7741
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherMillimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy V
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period6/29/107/2/10

Keywords

  • Carbon Nano Tube Cathode
  • Local Oscillator
  • Micro-Machining
  • TWT
  • Terahertz
  • Traveling Wave Tube

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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