Semiconductor-Superlattice Parametric Oscillator as a Subterahertz and Possible Terahertz Radiation Source

Abstract

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.

Double-resonance Semiconductor Superlattice Parametric Oscillator for Generation of Subterahertz Radiation

“…Based on the nonlinearity, superlattice detectors [8] (up to 12 THz [9,10]), frequency mixers [11] (up to 0.5 THz), and frequency multipliers [12] (up to 3 THz [13,14]) have been developed. Recently, a microwave pumped parametric oscillator for upconversion of radiation to higher-harmonic radiation has been proposed [15] and parametric oscillation at the third harmonic (near 300 GHz) of a pump field has been demonstrated [16][17][18]; for a recent discussion of nonlinear effects see also Litvinov and Manasson [19]. Here, we report on a parametric oscillator that operated synchronously on two different harmonics of a pump frequency, namely on the third and fifth harmonic.…”