Nonlinear current response of a many-level tunneling system: Generation of higher harmonics

Y. Goldin, Y. Avishai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fully nonlinear response of a many-level noninteracting tunneling system to a strong alternating field of high frequency ω is studied in terms of the Schwinger-Keldysh nonequilibrium Greenșs functions. The nonlinear time dependent tunneling current I(t) is calculated exactly and its resonance structure is elucidated. In particular, it is shown that under certain reasonable conditions on the physical parameters, the Fourier component (Formula presented) is sharply peaked at n=(ΔE/ℏω), where ΔE is the spacing between two levels. This frequency multiplication results from the highly nonlinear process of n photon absorption (or emission) by the tunneling system. It is also conjectured that this effect (which so far is studied mainly in the context of nonlinear optics) might be experimentally feasible.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16359-16370
Number of pages12
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume55
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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