Terahertz Gain and Loss in Semiconductor Quantum Structures

Abstract

The terahertz part of the electromagnetic spectrum is technology poor. An examination of the underlying device physics associated with the technologies that border this part of the spectrum suggest that it marks a transition regime between transport electronics at the low frequency end (microwave frequencies) to quantum transition devices like lasers on the high frequency end (infrared). Quantum transport devices, as the name implies embraces both transport physics and quantum transitions. The objectives of this research were to explore terahertz loss and gain in order to establish the principles for developing a solid-slate terahertz oscillator based on multi-quantum well superlattices. Key results were the following: (1) Resonant photon assisted transport in semiconductor superlattices; (2) Harmonic generation from electrically biased superlattices; and (3) Measurements of terahertz loss and gain in electrically biased superlattices.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 14, 2001
Accession Number
ADA390981

Entities

People

  • S. J. Allen

Organizations

  • University of California, Santa Barbara

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Electronics
  • Frequency
  • Microwave Frequency
  • Oscillators
  • Physics
  • Quantum Tunneling
  • Quantum Wells
  • Radiation
  • Scientists
  • Semiconductors
  • Spectra
  • Students
  • Superlattices
  • Terahertz Radiation
  • Transitions
  • Transport Ships

Fields of Study

  • Materials science
  • Physics

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Quantum Computing