A continuous-wave clinotron at 0.26 THz with sheet electron beam

A high performance continuous-wave (CW) clinotron with a sheet electron beam at 0.26 THz is presented in this paper. The mode selection is discussed by studying the dispersion curve of the high frequency structure, distribution of the electric field, coupling impedance, and particle-in-cell simulation result, showing that the designed clinotron operates in the fundamental mode TM10. The planar comb gratings are fabricated by using the wire electrical discharge machining technology with the processing error less than 0.005 mm. The electron gun can provide the 2.5 mm × 0.14 mm sheet electron beam with a maximum current density of 57 A/cm2 at the CW mode. Experimental results show that the developed clinotron can operate at the fundamental mode TM10 and generate an output power of 820 mW at a frequency of 0.26 THz with a large frequency tuning range from 0.25 THz to 0.262 THz.