A compact, solid-state THz source based on the driven Josephson vortex
lattice in a highly anisotropic superconductor such as
Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 that allows cw emission at tunable
frequency. A second order metallic Bragg grating is used to achieve
impedance matching and to induce surface emission of THz-radiation from a
Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 sample. Steering of the emitted THz
beam is accomplished by tuning the Josephson vortex spacing around the
grating period using a superimposed magnetic control field.