Magnetic fusion energy plasma diagnostic needs novel THz BWOs

The development of collective scattering diagnostics is essential for understanding of the anomalous transport attributed to short scale length microturbulence which poses a threat to the development of nuclear fusion reactors. Signals in the sub-THz range (0.1 - 0.8 THz) with adequate power are required to probe the plasma. A joint international effort is therefore devoted to the design and realization of novel backward wave oscillators at 0.346 THz and above with output power in the 1 Watt range to replace the bulky, high maintenance optically pumped FIR lasers so far utilized for this plasma diagnostic.