DNA-based tunable THz oscillator

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical model where DNA's double helix structure enables tunable terahertz oscillations, suggesting DNA could be used to develop nanoscale THz radiation sources.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical framework showing how lateral electric fields influence Bloch oscillations in DNA, enabling tunable THz frequency generation.

Findings

Bloch oscillations in DNA are affected by lateral electric fields.

Frequency splitting leads to complex charge motion patterns.

Potential for DNA-based nanoscale THz radiation sources.

Abstract

The intrinsic double helix conformation of the DNA strands is known to be the key ingredient of control of the electric current through the DNA by the perpendicular (gate) electric field. We show theoretically that Bloch oscillations in the DNA are also strongly affected by such lateral field; the oscillation frequency splits into a manifold of several generally non-commensurate frequencies leading to a complicated pattern of the charge motion. The frequency of the oscillations falls in the THz domain, providing for a possibility to design a nano-scale source of THz radiation.