Frequency Tuning Characteristics of a High-Power Sub-THz Gyrotron with Quasi-Optical Cavity

Motivated by some emerging high-frequency applications, a high-power frequency-tunable sub-THz quasi-optical gyrotron cavity based on a confocal waveguide is designed in this paper. The frequency tuning characteristics of different approaches, including magnetic field tuning, mirror separation adjustment, and hybrid tuning, have been investigated by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. Results predict that it is possible to realize a smooth continuous frequency tuning band with an extraordinarily broad bandwidth of 41.55 GHz, corresponding to a relative bandwidth of 18.7% to the center frequency of 0.22 THz. The frequency tunability is provided by varying the separation distance between two mirrors and correspondingly adjusting the external magnetic field. During the frequency tuning, the output power remains higher than 20 kW, which corresponds to an interaction efficiency of 10%. Providing great advantages in terms of broad bandwidth, smooth tuning, and high power, this research may be conducive to the development of high-power frequency-tunable THz gyrotron oscillators.