Control and Manipulation of Microwave Polarization and Power of a Frequency-Agile 198 GHz Gyrotron for Magnetic Resonance

The measurement and manipulation of the microwave polarization emitted from a frequency-agile 198 GHz gyrotron for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) are demonstrated. In general, gyrotrons emit linearly polarized radiation, yet in this case elliptical polarization is observed from the 198 GHz gyrotron window. Indeed, half of the microwave power is circularly polarized while the other half is linearly polarized with a polarization of 60 ∘ with respect to the horizontal plane. For optimal use of microwave power for DNP experiments, the elliptical polarization from the gyrotron is converted into circular polarization with a Martin-Puplett interferometer (MPI). The dependence of the DNP enhancement on the microwave polarization was investigated by modifying the microwave polarization with the MPI. In addition, the MPI can generate a linearly polarized beam, which holds promise for future development of induction-mode electron spin detected experiments.