MAGICTRAC, a novel method for conversion of whispering-gallery modes into a free-space Gaussian-like beam

A novel device, MAGICTRAC, is described for efficient conversion at millimeter wavelengths of the TE_m,n whispering-gallery mode into a linearly polarized, free-space Gaussian-like beam. MAGICTRAC uses a mode-converting waveguide taper and three mirror optics, one of which incorporates a twist reflector to linearly polarize the output beam. An example design is presented for the TE_15,2 mode at 140 GHz with a calculated efficiency of 96%. Related possible applications include (1) installation of the MAGICTRAC within the vacuum envelope of a gyrotron to separarate the spent e-beam from the generated rf, (2) generation of a whispering-gallery mode by injection of a Gaussian-like beam into the output end, and (3) conversion of TE_m,n modes into TE_0n modes for low-loss transmission in smooth-wall waveguide.Work performed by LLNL for USDOE under contract W-7405 ENG-48.