Potential of relativistic electrons and short-wavelength radiation interaction for high-speed electro-optical coupling

Abstract

The possibility of using an electron beam and electromagnetic field interaction scheme as the interface between the electrical and optical domains in the near infrared region (NIR) is studied. After developing an interaction model, electro-optical interfacing process is investigated through the derivation of coupling characteristics and a through a detail examination of relativistic electron beam dispersion. The dispersion-gain analysis is rigorous in a sense that possible effects associated with the collection of electrons as a relativistic plasma in the process of interaction, such as, electron beam temperature and collective interactions are included in the formulation. Taking advantage of the developed dispersion-gain diagnosis, we demonstrate that the coupler is inherently wide-bandwidth and enjoys a less restrictive transfer bottle neck (electro-optical). Feasibility of the proposed scheme is discussed in light of the present status of high-energy electron beam generation and micro-machining technology.