Coherent dynamics of photoexcited semiconductor superlattices in homogeneous electric fields

A microscopic many-body theory for the linear and nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor superlattices subjected to electric fields is presented. The approach has been used for the analysis of various processes related to the Bloch-oscillation dynamics of carriers in static fields and for investigating dynamical localization induced by alternating fields. It is shown that the theory describes very well experimental field-modulated absorption spectra of a strongly coupled superlattice. Furthermore, characteristic signatures, such as negative absorption in the short-pulse optical response of superlattices subjected simultaneously to static and alternating electric fields are predicted.