Low-Voltage Vircator as a Novel THz Source

THz wave has various applications in human life, and many researchers are interested in related technologies specially designing reliable THz source. Vacuum electronic devices (VEDs) are high-power solutions that can be used in a range of microwave to THz frequencies. Low-voltage virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) is one type of VEDs that is usually used for broadband radiation a few gigahertz. However, in this work, for the first time, low-voltage vircator with decelerating voltage is designed for a novel THz source. The proposed electron device is simple and affordable compared to other THz sources. Wave generation is simulated by the particle-in-cell (PIC) numerical method. The effect of parameters, such as voltage, magnetic field, and main dimensions, is discussed. Two other designs for radiation at 0.14 and 0.37 THz are represented in addition to the main design at 0.23 THz. This low-voltage vircator can provide the power of tens of milliwatts in the THz band with a working voltage of 3 kV and a current of 300 mA.