A miniaturized
terahertz radiation source based on the Smith-Purcell effect is provided, in which, from a focused
electron source, a high-energy bundle of electrons is transmitted at a defined distance over a reflection
diffraction grating composed of transversely disposed
grating rods, so that, in response to oscillating image charges, electromagnetic
waves of one
wavelength are emitted, the
wavelength being adjustable as a function of the periodicity of the lines and of the
electron velocity. The elements of the
radiation source, such as field emitter (1),
electrostatic lens (4), beam deflector (5),
grating (7) of
metal, and a second
anode (8), are integrated on a
semiconductor chip using additive nanolithographic methods. The field
electron source is constructed to project, as a wire, out of the surface, using additive
nanolithography, and is made of readily conductive material having stabilizing series resistance. The wire is constructed, using computer-controlled deposition
lithography, in a straight or curved, free-standing design. In its surface area, the base material bears a conductor structure for the electrical terminals and connections (2), including controllable
voltage sources (3) for supplying the field emitter tips (1), lens (4), and control electrodes (5, 8). The
terahertz radiation source is designed to be a powerful component that is available in modular form and is
usable in any spatial situation.