No Arabic abstract
We derive a density matrix (DM) theory for quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) that describes the influence of scattering on coherences through a generalized scattering superoperator. The theory enables quantitative modeling of QCLs, including localization and tunneling effects, using the well-defined energy eigenstates rather than the ad hoc localized basis states required by most previous DM models. Our microscopic approach to scattering also eliminates the need for phenomenological transition or dephasing rates. We discuss the physical interpretation and numerical implementation of the theory, presenting sets of both energy-resolved and thermally averaged equations which can be used for detailed or compact device modeling. We illustrate the theorys applications by simulating a high performance resonant-phonon terahertz (THz) QCL design which cannot be easily or accurately modeled using conventional DM methods. We show that the theorys inclusion of coherences is crucial for describing localization and tunneling effects consistent with experiment.
The density matrix in the Lindblad form is used to describe the behavior of the Free-Electron Laser (FEL) operating in a quantum regime. The detrimental effects of the spontaneous emission on coherent FEL operation are taken into account. It is shown that the density matrix formalism provides a simple method to describe the dynamics of electrons and radiation field in the quantum FEL process. In this work, further insights on the key dynamic parameters (e.g., electron populations, bunching factor, radiation power) are presented. We also derive a simple differential equation that describes the evolution of the radiated power in the linear regime. It is confirmed that the essential results of this work agree with those predicted by a discrete Wigner approach at practical conditions for efficient operation of quantum FELs.
An easy to implement and powerful method for the solution of 3D scattering problems that can be well described by Helmholtz equation is presented. The matrix algebra used provides excellent stability versus the number of junctions as well as great computational speed. The matrix truncation method yields an easy single-parameter convergence procedure. Subsequently, some aspects of the electronic transport through metal nanowires are studied by the use of Landauers scattering approach to the conductance. We predict the existence of current vortex-rings patterns due to sharp enough narrow-wide connections in atomic size point contacts. Longitudinal resonances between scattering centers provide a simple physical picture for the understanding of negative differential resistance in ideal monoatomic contacts. Relatively long nanowires with high geometrical perfection -like those recently observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy- are modelled exhibiting resonant tunnelling and total reflection at given incident energy intervals.
A model of sequential resonant tunneling transport between two-dimensional subbands that takes into account explicitly elastic scattering is investigated. It is compared to transport measurements performed on quantum cascade lasers where resonant tunneling processes are known to be dominating. Excellent agreement is found between experiment and theory over a large range of current, temperature and device structures.
We show that mid infrared transmission spectroscopy of a quantum cascade laser provides clear cut information on changes in charge location at different bias. Theoretical simulations of the evolution of the gain/absorption spectrum for the $lambda sim$ 7.4 $mu$m InGaAs/AlInAs/InP quantum cascade laser have been compared with the experimental findings. Transfer of electrons between the ground states in the active region and the states in the injector goes in hand with a decrease of discrete intersubband absorption peaks and an increase of broad high-energy absorption towards the continuum delocalised states above the barriers.
We report on calculations of broadening effects in QCL due to alloy scattering. The output of numerical calculations of alloy broadened Landau levels compare favorably with calculations performed at the self-consistent Born approximation. Results for Landau level width and optical absorption are presented. A disorder activated forbidden transition becomes significant in the vicinity of crossings of Landau levels which belong to different subbands. A study of the time dependent survival probability in the lowest Landau level of the excited subband is performed. It is shown that at resonance the population relaxation occurs in a subpicosecond scale.