Feasibility of a semiconductor superlattice oscillator based on quenched domains for the generation of submillimeter waves

We discuss the feasibility of a semiconductor superlattice oscillator which exploits the quenching of propagating dipole domains for the generation of submillimeter waves. We studied the dynamics of electrons in a semiconductor superlattice by performing a simulation based on a drift-diffusion model, taking into account feedback from a resonant circuit. The simulation delivers propagating dipole domains which are quenched before they reach the anode. The periodic formation and quenching of domains creates a self-sustained oscillation of the current through the superlattice. The frequency of the oscillation can be more than three times higher than without feedback. We suggest that with already existing superlattices an oscillator working in the quenched domain mode can be realized up to almost 500 GHz. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.