Abstract
We show that a phonon wave propagating through a semiconductor superlattice can induce a charge current even when no static electric field is applied. When the energy amplitude of the phonon wave is less than the width of the lowest superlattice miniband, we find strong resonant enhancement of electron transport, accompanied by very high frequency oscillations of the electron orbits. In this regime, the phonon wave drags the electrons through the superlattice, causing them to undergo quasi-periodic trajectories with a single dominant temporal frequency several orders of magnitude higher than that of the phonon deformation wave itself. This transformation of GHz frequency wave motion into highly coherent THz frequency electron dynamics provides a mechanism for frequency up-conversion, with a multiplication factor of ≈20 in our present samples. For phonon wave amplitudes higher than the miniband width, the electrons perform Bloch-like oscillations, which dramatically suppresses transport.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
