We report a superlattice parametric oscillator (SPO), with a GaAs/AlAs superlattice as the active element. The SPO was pumped by a microwave field (power 4 mW) and produced third harmonic radiation at subterahertz frequencies (near 300 GHz; 0.1 mW). We attribute the parametric gain to the nonlinearity of the miniband transport.

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We describe the operation of a semiconductor-superlattice parametric oscillator (SPO) at a subterahertz frequency (near 300 GHz). The oscillator is driven by a microwave source (frequency near 100 GHz). We also present an analysis indicating that operation at frequencies above 1 THz should be possible. The SPO is based on the ability of conduction electrons in a superlattice to perform Bloch oscillations. Broadband tunability as well as the monochromacy of a driving microwave field are transferred to the SPO.