A dispersion relation epsilon(q) is derived for electrons in a planar
superlattice constructed in the form of a quantum well that is coupled
by tunneling with a periodic array of parallel strip-shaped quantum w
ires. A narrow miniband inside of the substantially wider gap is demon
strated for special resonance conditions. Since the obtained spectra a
re very sensitive to correlation of different array parameters they ca
n be tuned and detuned easily. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.