Potential and limits of superlattice multipliers coupled to different input power sources

TL;DR

This paper theoretically evaluates the performance limits of semiconductor superlattice multipliers driven by various high-frequency power sources, analyzing harmonic generation efficiency across different device configurations and input sources.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid theoretical approach combining Green's functions and Boltzmann equations to analyze harmonic generation in superlattice multipliers with multiple input sources.

Findings

Superlattice multipliers can effectively generate harmonics up to THz frequencies.

Performance varies significantly depending on the input power source used.

Theoretical limits are identified for different device configurations.

Abstract

A theoretical study is presented to assess the performance of semiconductor superlattice multipliers as a function of the currently available input power sources. The prime devices which are considered as input power sources are Impatt diodes, InP Gunn devices, superlattice electron devices and Backward Wave Oscillator sources. These sources have been successfully designed to deliver input radiation frequencies in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 THz. We discuss the harmonic power generation of both odd and even harmonics by implementing an ansatz solution stemmed from a hybrid approach combining nonequilibrium Green's functions and the Boltzmann kinetic equation.