Starting from a simple model of the double-well semiconductor heterostructure capable of generating continuous-wave quantum ‘‘Block’’ oscillations, we have calculated analytically their major statistical properties, including spectral density and amplitude distribution. Other characteristics of the structure, pertaining to the Bloch oscillation, such as the dc I-V curve, rf impedance, and dc response to an external rf signal, were also calculated. The results are used to discuss similarities and differences between the Bloch oscillations and other types of oscillatory processes including the Josephson oscillations, laser radiation, spontaneous radiation, and narrow-band random noise.

• Received 1 October 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.49.7548