High efficiency, terahertz, backward wave oscillators

Summary form only given. Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. is funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop efficient, lightweight, backward wave oscillators (BWOs) for applications from 300 GHz to more than 1 THz. These devices are needed as local oscillator (LO) sources in heterodyne receivers. BWO circuits will be made using LIGA techniques to manufacture 200-300 circuits between 300 GHz and 2 THz on a single wafer. Initially, the program will construct a 600-700 GHz BWO incorporating a depressed collector to enhance the efficiency and a Gaussian mode antenna to increase the usable power. Following successful testing of the 600-700 GHz BWO, additional BWOs will be built and tested to determine how high in frequency the devices can operate. The goal is to achieve 1.5 THz operation. The program is also investigating integral, ´wiggler´ focusing to eliminate the external, 20 kG magnet. This would significantly increase the number of applications for the oscillators. The results of theoretical analyses are presented as well as the status of the initial 600-700 GHz BWO.