The excitation of a surface wave cavity based on a two-dimensional periodic structure by an energy source, such as relativistic electrons, results in stimulated, single frequency coherent emission. A high-Q cavity has been achieved via a resonant coupling between surface waves and volume waves. The concept of a Cherenkov maser based on the surface wave cavity is discussed and results of numerical studies presented. Links between the model described and the concept of a surface plasmon amplifier, which has been recently introduced are described.
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