Terahertz generation by difference-frequency mixing of exciton Wannier-Stark ladder states in biased semiconductor superlattices

We report the generation of terahertz (THz) radiation in a biased semiconductor superlattice by difference-frequency mixing of interband transitions. The Wannier-Stark spectrum of the superlattice was selectively excited by two spectrally narrow laser lines. The emitted THz radiation was measured as a function of the energetic splitting and spectral position of the bichromatic excitation. The generation of tunable THz radiation is verified. The results clearly show enhanced THz emission when either continuum or 1s exciton wave packets are excited. Good agreement is obtained between the experiment and the results of an exciton model of the nonlinear coherent dynamics. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.