BWO Generators for Terahertz Dielectric Measurements

Abstract

For many years, the terahertz frequency domain has been neglected compared to neighboring parts of the spectrum. However, the situation has changed with the development of backward-wave oscillator (BWO) and BWO-based spectrometers. Packaged (30-180 GHz) and unpackaged (0.18-1.50 THz) BWOs are now being produced. The 0.18-1.50 THz frequency range is of greatest interest for spectroscopic research. To work with unpackaged BWOs, a universal magnetic focusing system on a permanent magnet with a protective housing shielding the magnetic field was developed. The stable generation of radiation with a frequency of up to 2.1 THz without geometry change was achieved. A universal automated power-supply unit with high-speed BWO frequency radiation scanning and a high degree of BWO electronic security was also designed for generating unpackaged BWOs through a heating and high cathode voltage.