Nonlinear interaction of waves in a semiconductor superlattice

The nonlinear wave interaction in a periodic structure formed by alternatin g semiconductor and insulator layers has been studied. The translation symm etry of the structure is shown to be the reason for a number of peculiariti es of the nonlinear interaction. Conditions of the resonance interaction be tween the first and second harmonics are analyzed. The excitation of the se cond harmonic via the interaction of the first spatial harmonics propagatin g in the opposite directions is considered for the first time. An explanati on is given for the significant enhancement of the wave interaction near th e passband edge. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".