Continuous third harmonic generation in a terahertz driven modulated nanowire

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the potential for continuous third-harmonic generation in a driven nanowire system with high efficiency, combining theoretical models and nanowire design to optimize terahertz frequency conversion.

Contribution

It introduces a combined Floquet-Keldysh theoretical approach to analyze high-efficiency third-harmonic generation in driven nanowires, and identifies optimal parameters for InAs/InP nanowires.

Findings

Quantum efficiency up to 93% without scattering.

Identification of optimal nanowire parameters for terahertz third-harmonic generation.

A theoretical framework combining Floquet and Keldysh techniques.

Abstract

We consider the possibility of observing continuous third-harmonic generation using a strongly driven, single-band one-dimensional metal. In the absence of scattering, the quantum efficiency of frequency tripling for such a system can be as high as 93%. Combining the Floquet quasi-energy spectrum with the Keldysh Green's function technique, we derive the semiclassical master equation for a one-dimensional band of strongly and rapidly driven electrons in the presence of weak scattering by phonons. The power absorbed from the driving field is continuously dissipated by phonon modes, leading to a quasi-equilibrium in the electron distribution. We use the Kronig-Penney model with varying effective mass to establish growth parameters of an InAs/InP nanowire near optimal for third harmonic generation at terahertz frequency range.