Modeling of Self-Winding Helices for Sub-Millimeter Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers

We present simulations of a travelling wave tube amplifier based o n a self-winding helix f or o peration a t THz frequencies. Helix fabrication relies on guided self-assembly of conductive nanomembranes. The structure is modeled and simulated using CST Studio time domain and Particle in Cell solvers. The impact of meshing on the simulation results as well as simulation time is evaluated. Electric field distribution as well as gain at 1 THz are calculated for a 0.25 µm-thick helix forming a 1 mm-long travelling wave tube amplifier.