Intersubband transitions in quantum wells as sources of Thz radiation

A. S. Camacho, R. M. Gutiérrez, G. Ardila

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A suitable engineered asymmetric double quantum well can be designed as a three level system, in which intersub-band transitions between these three states give rise to Terahertz radiation. Due to the lack of sources in this region of the electromagnetic spectrum, this subject is of technological interest. We study in this work two different tunneling processes, which can be observed in this device: coherent and resonant. The latter is related to incoherent processes that can be applied for devices filling the Terahertz gap. The absorption spectra of superlattices built from asymmetric double quantum wells are calculated and a possible population inversion mechanism is proposed. On the other hand, an ultrafast optical excitation creates in an asymmetric double quantum well a macroscopically coherent superposition of the two excited conduction sub-bands. The components eigenstates of the wave packet subsequently evolve at different rate leading to quantum beats and therefore to coherent tunneling between the two wells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)922-927
Number of pages6
JournalMicroelectronics Journal
Volume36
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2005

Keywords

  • Absorption
  • Electron.LO-phonon scattering rates
  • Laser design
  • Quantum wells
  • Ultrafast light pulses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intersubband transitions in quantum wells as sources of Thz radiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this