Chirp-dependent spectral distribution for few-cycle pulses propagating through nano-semiconductor devices

•The propagation of an initially chirped incident few-cycle pulse through an ensemble of quantum wells.•The distribution characteristic of the transmitted spectrum sensitively depending on the incident laser parameters.•The intensity of high-frequency spectral components enhancing obviously due to the nonlinear propagation effects.

The propagation of an initially chirped incident few-cycle pulse through an ensemble of quantum wells is numerically investigated. It is found that the distribution characteristic of the transmitted spectrum sensitively depends on the incident laser parameters, especially its positive or negative chirp property. As for the incident pulse with a positive initial chirp, beyond the obvious spectral blue-shift, the transmitted spectral distribution is discrete. In contrast, as for a negative initial chirp, the spectral distribution is continuous instead. In addition, the insensitivity of chirp-dependent spectral distribution to medium symmetry character is also tested and the intensity of high-frequency spectral components enhances obviously due to the nonlinear propagation effects.