Theory of parametric amplification in in superlattices

Timo Hyart, Alexey V. Shorokhov, Kirill N. Alekseev

Published 2006-12-18, updated 2007-06-08Version 3

We consider a high-frequency response of electrons in a single miniband of superlattice subject to dc and ac electric fields. We show that Bragg reflections in miniband result in a parametric resonance which is detectable using ac probe field. We establish theoretical feasibility of phase-sensitive THz amplification at the resonance. The parametric amplification does not require operation in conditions of negative differential conductance. This prevents a formation of destructive high-field domains inside the superlattice.