Current–voltage characteristics in periodically-driven miniband superlattices

We have theoretically investigated current–voltage characteristics of periodically-driven GaAs-based miniband superlattice at room temperature by using the time-dependent hydrodynamic balance equations. With the amplitude of the ac signal varying in the parameter space, the superlattice is found to exhibit various types of spatiotemporal behavior and current–voltage characteristics. In the case of a large-amplitude ac signal, the solution is synchronized with the ac frequency, and the time-averaged current–voltage curve exhibits microwave-radiation-induced dc current suppression. A good agreement is obtained between the calculated dc current and the recent experiment for a GaAs/AlAs miniband superlattice.