Intervalley scattering in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells and quantum cascade lasers

The results of simulations of Γ-X scattering in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells are presented, discussing the importance of the mole fraction, doping density, and lattice and electron temperatures in determining the scattering rates. A systematic study of Γ-X scattering in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs heterostructures, using a single quantum well to determine the importance of well width, molar concentration x, lattice temperature, and doping density, has been performed. After this we consider a double quantum well to determine the role of intervalley scattering in the transport through single-layer heterostructures, i.e. Γ-X-Γ scattering compared with Γ-Γ scattering. Finally, we estimate the relative importance of intervalley scattering in a GaAs-based quantum-cascade laser device and compare it with other relevant scattering mechanisms important to describe carrier dynamics in the structure. Our simulations suggest that Γ-X scattering can be significant at room temperature but falls off rapidly at lower temperatures.

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