Tunable Free-Electron-Driven Terahertz Diffraction Radiation Source

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a tunable terahertz (THz) radiation source that utilizes a free electron beam to generate THz diffraction radiation coupled with the guided modes in a cylindrical corrugated waveguide. Detailed theoretical analyses and computer simulations are conducted, and the results demonstrate the characteristics of the tunable radiation frequency. In particular, the coherent diffraction radiation excited by a prebunched electron beam is discussed both theoretically and numerically with regard to the enhancement of the radiation power and efficiency. This paper may offer attractive prospects for the development of compact and tunable radiation sources in the THz frequency regime.