Self-induced gaps and optical bistability in semiconductor superlattices

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Abstract
We consider a semiconductor superlattice built of quasi-two-dimensional layers of narrow-band-gap material sandwiched by barriers of wide-band-gap material. We show that when the electromagnetic wave with frequency below the band gap of the superlattice propagates along the superlattice axis, it induces intensity-dependent gaps in the spectrum. The connection between these unusual gaps and spatial chaos is explored. The possibility of bistable devices is discussed.