Direct observation of miniband-edge singularities in the optical spectra of GaAs/AlAs superlattices

Band-edge optical transitions in GaAs/AlAs superlattices with different miniband widths are investigated by low-temperature-photocurrent, photoluminescence-excitation, and reflectance spectroscopy. Direct spectroscopic evidence is given for excitonic effects at saddle-type critical points which are related to ${\mathit{M}}_1$ Van Hove singularities at the upper miniband edges, for both heavy-hole and light-hole excitons. Excellent agreement is obtained between the observed transition energies and the miniband widths deduced from Kronig-Penney model calculations.