Terahertz Wave Generator Phase Control for Uniform Beam Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional THz wave generators have low power output and are not practical for daily use due to their size and energy requirements, and semiconductor-based generators have limited power and require amplification, which is not yet developed in the THz wave band.
Innovation Solution
A THz wave providing apparatus and method that control phase distribution and intensity distribution using a combination of THz wave generators, phase adjusters, waveguide parts, and output modules, including cylindrical waveguides and phase adjusters with unevenness, to achieve a uniform beam and specific profile output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power THz wave generators (FEL, gyrotron, plasma generator) are used, then output power is improved, but device size and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the THz wave generation system into multiple independent THz wave generators, each producing a THz wave that is subsequently combined through waveguide parts. This segmentation allows each generator to operate at lower power individually while achieving higher cumulative output power when combined, avoiding the need for single large-scale generators like FEL or gyrotron.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple low-power THz wave outputs through waveguide parts to achieve high cumulative power output. The waveguide parts combine the THz waves from multiple generators constructively, enabling the system to reach high power levels without requiring individual generators to operate at high power, thus maintaining compact size.
2Device complexity
If semiconductor-based THz wave generators are used, then device size and cost are reduced, but output power remains low and requires amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple semiconductor-based THz wave generator outputs through waveguide parts to achieve cumulative power enhancement. By merging the outputs of multiple low-power semiconductor generators, the system achieves higher total power output without requiring individual amplification stages, maintaining the compact and cost-effective advantages of semiconductor devices.
3Power
If multiple THz wave generators are combined to increase power, then output power is improved, but phase distribution becomes unstable affecting beam quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase adjusters that can dynamically control the phase of each individual THz wave before combination. This dynamic phase adjustment capability allows the system to maintain stable phase distribution and optimal beam quality even when combining multiple THz wave generators, compensating for phase variations that would otherwise degrade beam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase adjusters that can sense and compensate for phase variations in the combined THz waves. By providing feedback control over the phase of each input wave, the system maintains stable phase distribution and consistent beam quality across varying operating conditions, enabling reliable high-power output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Overcomes the low power issue of conventional THz wave generators, enabling the use of THz waves for imaging and various applications with a uniform beam and specific profile output, improving the practicality and efficiency of THz wave generation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide part receiving and combining the at least one phase-adjusted THz wave radiated from the at least one first phase adjuster, and guiding the combined THz wave
Implementation Method 2
at least one first phase adjuster adjusting a phase of the generated THz wave; at least one second phase adjuster adjusting a phase of the combined THz wave from the at least one waveguide part
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus providing a terahertz (THz) wave may comprise at least one THz wave generator each of which generates a THz wave; at least one first phase adjuster adjusting a phase of the generated THz wave; at least one waveguide part receiving and combining the at least one phase-adjusted THz wave radiated from the at least one first phase adjuster, and guiding the combined THz wave; at least one second phase adjuster adjusting a phase of the combined THz wave from the at least one waveguide part, which is connected to the at least one waveguide part or disposed in a portion of the at least one waveguide part; and an output module outputting the THz wave guided from the at least one waveguide part.