Method for the production of wideband THz radiation

1. A method for the production of extremely wide bandwidth THz radiation comprising: delivering an electron beam from a source to an undulator that does not deflect the angle or transversely move the electron beam; and optimizing the undulator to yield peak emission in the middle of the THz band (1 THz) by magnetically bending the orbit of the incoming electron beam in the undulator according to the function x(z)=x o exp(−z 2 /2σ 2 ) and controlling the transverse magnetic field to be B(z)=B 0 (1−z 2 /σ 2 )exp(−z 2 /2σ 2 ).

2. A method for the operation of a compact apparatus for the production of intense THz radiation which apparatus comprises:

a) a particle beam source that generates a short bunch particle beam having an energy between about 100 and about 500 KeV, a charge of between about 1 and about 10 pico coulombs, a repetition rate of from about 500 to about 3000 MHz at a current of less than about 30 milliamps and an emittance of <20 mm mrad;

b) a linac comprising one or more series of compact superconducting cavities that are capable of delivering up to 10 million volts that accelerates said beam as it is received from said particle source;

c) an undulator that receives said beam from said linac and generates THz radiation; and

d) a magnet that bends said particle beam as it exits said undulator thereby permitting extraction of THz radiation therefrom;

said method comprising:

i) delivering an electron beam to said undulator that is designed to not deflect the beam in angle or transversely; and

ii) optimizing the undulator to yield peak emission in the middle of the THz band (1 THz) by magnetically bending the orbit of the incoming electron beam in the undulator according to the function x(z)=x o exp(−z 2 /2σ 2 ) and controlling the transverse magnetic field to be B(z)=B 0 (1−z 2 /σ 2 )exp(−z 2 /2σ 2 ).