A review on the sub-THz/THz gyrotrons

A review on the sub-THz/THz gyrotrons is performed in this manuscript. The present development status of gyrotrons can be divided into three streams for the sake of better understanding: 1. low frequency (<35 GHz), medium power (<100 kW), small size and easy to handle gyrotrons for industrial applications, 2. very high power (1 MW or more), medium frequency (100-200 GHz) gyrotrons for plasma fusion applications, 3. low power (few tens of watt to kW), high frequency (>200 GHz) gyrotrons for various innovative applications. In this manuscript, the third stream of gyrotron development is reviewed. In last few decades several innovative applications are searched in sub-THz/THz band where the gyrotrons could be used as an efficient source of RF radiation. The applications of sub-THz/THz gyrotrons including the futuristic scope of the device are also discussed in this article. Further, several criticalities arise in the design and development when the gyrotron operation shifts toward the high frequency band. Various such design and technological challenges are also discussed here. Finally the development status of sub-THz/THz gyrotrons as per the use in various scientific and technological applications is also discussed.