Development of a micromachined THz nanoklystron: a status report

Summary form only given. A novel monolithic micro-tube source for submillimeter-wave (0.3 THz, 0.6 THz, 1.2 THz) power generation is being developed at JPL. The tube takes the form of a simple reflex klystron with micrometer range dimensions, nanoklystron, fabricated monolithically in silicon. Nanok...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Manohara, H.M., Siegel, P.H., Bronikowki, M.J., Vancil, B.K., Hawken, K.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Cathodes
Chemical elements
Current density
Electrons
Klystrons
Lenses
Optical beams
Phosphors
Power generation
Testing
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Summary:Summary form only given. A novel monolithic micro-tube source for submillimeter-wave (0.3 THz, 0.6 THz, 1.2 THz) power generation is being developed at JPL. The tube takes the form of a simple reflex klystron with micrometer range dimensions, nanoklystron, fabricated monolithically in silicon. Nanoklystrons are to be used as local oscillator elements for high-resolution heterodyne spectroscopy instruments and as THz sources for bio-imagers and contraband detectors, high bandwidth communications and atmospheric chemical and biohazard probes. Initial estimates indicate power output in the range of milliwatts at 1.2 THz, which is significantly higher than that possible with other oscillators or multiplier based sources. The device requires an electron gun capable of providing up to a kA/cm/sup 2/. Both cold and hot cathodes are being developed, with cold cathodes being the preferred choice for the eventual stand-alone device. Through a systematic study, "ropes" of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been identified as the most suitable candidate for the electron source. Using MWNTs synthesized on e-beam patterned catalyst arrays with varying parameters (bundle diameter and inter-bundle spacing), a suitable arrangement for high emission currents at low fields has been determined. We can repeatedly generate >1.4 A/cm/sup 2/ at fields as low as
ISSN:0730-9244
2576-7208
DOI:10.1109/PLASMA.2004.1340211