Loss and gain in Bloch oscillating super-superlattices: THz Stark ladder spectroscopy

Absorption of radiation from 1.5 to 2.5 THz by electrically biased InAs/AlSb super-superlattices exhibit a crossover from loss to gain as the Stark ladder is opened. Measurements are carried out at room temperature in a novel planar terahertz waveguide defined by photonic band gap sidewalls and loaded with an array of electrically biased super-superlattices. The frequency-dependent crossover voltage indicates ∼80% participation of the super-superlattice.