Semiconductor-superlattice parametric oscillator for generation of sub-terahertz and terahertz waves☆

Abstract We report on a superlattice parametric oscillator (SPO). The SPO allows for an efficient frequency up-conversion of microwave radiation to the sub-terahertz (THz) and, possibly, THz frequency range. The SPO is based on the nonlinearity of the motion of miniband electrons in a semiconductor superlattice. We present a basic experiment demonstrating SPO action and we deliver a theoretical analysis. The SPO we describe converts radiation from a range around 100 GHz (power few mW) to third harmonic radiation around 300 GHz (power 0.1 mW). The theoretical analysis shows that a high efficiency for conversion of pump to higher harmonic radiation can be reached. We discuss the conversion to the third and other odd harmonics and, furthermore, the possibility to use the SPO for producing, by subsequent up-conversion processes, radiation in the THz frequency region.