Quantum Confined Electronic and Photonic Devices

Abstract

The potential wells in a semiconductor heterojunction or Quantum wells extend over only a few nanometers, a length scale smaller than de Broglie wave length of carriers and excitons. These particles are quantum mechanically confined in the well. Novel electronic and photonic devices have recently emerged, the operation of which depend on the properties of confined particles. In this paper, some basic properties of confined electrons and holes are discussed and then the operation and advantages of High Electron Mobility Transistors, of Quantum Well Lasers, and of Optical Modulators and Switches are described.

Indexing terms:

• Multilayer structures and devices
• High speed devices
• Optoelectronic devices
• Low dimensional electron gas devices