High-frequency-induced phase-dependent dc current by Bloch oscillator non-ohmicity

A calculation is presented for the phase-dependent dc current induced in a semiconductor superlattice by the simultaneous application of an ac field and its phase-shifted second harmonic. The dc current is a result of the Esaki–Tsu non-ohmicity of the superlattice for the case where it Bloch oscillates. The effect provides a tool for a determination of the relaxation time of the electrons.