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Cryogenically enhanced quasi-optical resonator for megawatt pulsed millimeter-wave sources

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2025-10-06
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
AuthorsC. Panisset, A. Diallo
InstitutionsÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Princeton University

We report the design, cryogenic optimization, and performance modeling of a compact quasi-optical ring resonator intended to compress microwaves pulses at 170 and 250 GHz to the megawatt level. By combining ultra-low-loss CVD diamond and gold-doped silicon wafers with high-RRR copper mirrors, the calculated unloaded quality factor exceeds 4.3×105 at 20 K and yields simulated gains up to G=4.1×103. Coupling the resonator with a laser-driven semiconductor switch described by an extended Vogel model shows that 1 MW, nanosecond pulses can be generated from only 445 W of microwave drive power while dissipating 272 W into the cryostat. A practical cooling architecture using two Gifford-McMahon stages (20 and 80 K) is proposed, demonstrating that high-repetition-rate (10-20 kHz) operation is feasible with commercially available cryocoolers. The results outline a clear path toward cost-effective, table-top sources for extreme-ultraviolet lithography, dynamic nuclear polarization, and fusion systems.

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