SBIR Phase I: Compact Terahertz Backward-Wave Oscillators

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将调查实施新的慢波电路和太赫兹频率返波振荡器的电子束约束创新的可行性。反向波振荡器发射由所施加的电压调谐的高频无线电波，其频率和功率通常高于基于斩波器的设备的频率和功率。设想的设备具有紧凑的格式，适合便携式应用，并有可能作为中等功率的太赫兹频率源。新的电路和电子枪将被制造和评估，从而为第二阶段的原型设计的基础。成功的结果将包括毫瓦级，可调源。更广泛的影响/商业潜力，这一项目包括帮助进一步开放？太赫兹间隙？用于一系列应用。这一差距指的是技术和应用只是缓慢发展和出现的频率范围。太赫兹返波振荡器应该能够促进高频通信;化学，生物和环境传感和成像;以及医疗诊断和安全市场的发展。因此，除了太赫兹科学和技术本身的进步之外，这些设备还可以帮助推动许多新兴科学和工业活动的发展。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of implementing new slow-wave circuits and electron beam confinement innovations for terahertz frequency backward-wave oscillators. A backward wave oscillator emits high- frequency radio waves, tuned by the applied voltage, at frequencies and powers generally higher than available from semiconductor-based devices. The envisioned devices have a compact format, suitable for portable applications, and have the potential to operate as moderate-power terahertz- frequency sources. New circuits and electron guns will be fabricated and evaluated, resulting in the basis for a Phase II prototype design. Successful results would include milliwatt-scale, tunable sources.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project includes helping to further open the ?terahertz gap? for a range of applications. This gap refers to a frequency range where technologies and applications have only been slowly developing and emerging. A terahertz backward-wave oscillator should enable advancements in high-frequency communications; chemical, biological, and environmental sensing and imaging; as well as medical diagnosis and security markets. As such, in addition to the advancement of terahertz science and technology themselves, these devices could help propel developments in a number of burgeoning scientific and industrial activities.