Concept for Pulse Compression Device Using Structured Spatial Energy Distribution

We explore a novel concept for pulse compression scheme applicable at RF, microwave, and possibly up to optical frequencies based on structured energy distribution in cavities supporting degenerate band-edge (DBE) modes. We show the high spatial concentration of energy due to DBE modes and proper choice of boundary conditions in coupled transmission lines (TLs) provide the basis for superior performance of the structured cavity when compared to a conventional cavity. We investigate the novel cavity features: larger loaded quality factor of the cavity and stored energy compared to conventional designs, robustness to variations of cavity loading, energy feeding and extraction at the cavity center, and substantial reduction of the cavity size by use of equivalent lumped circuits for low-energy sections of the cavity. Structured energy also allows for controlled pulse shaping via engineered extraction techniques. The presented concepts are general, in terms of equivalent coupled TLs, and can be applied to a variety of realistic guiding structures. Potential applications include microwave pulse compression devices, on-chip millimeter-wave pulse generation, and pulsed laser generation.