4,012 research outputs found
Gain in quantum cascade lasers and superlattices: A quantum transport theory
Gain in current-driven semiconductor heterostructure devices is calculated
within the theory of nonequilibrium Green functions. In order to treat the
nonequilibrium distribution self-consistently the full two-time structure of
the theory is employed without relying on any sort of Kadanoff-Baym Ansatz. The
results are independent of the choice of the electromagnetic field if the
variation of the self-energy is taken into account. Excellent quantitative
agreement is obtained with the experimental gain spectrum of a quantum cascade
laser. Calculations for semiconductor superlattices show that the simple 2-time
miniband transport model gives reliable results for large miniband widths at
room temperatureComment: 8 Pages, 4 Figures directly included, to appear in Physical Review
Nonequilibrium Green's function theory for transport and gain properties of quantum cascade structures
The transport and gain properties of quantum cascade (QC) structures are
investigated using a nonequilibrium Green's function (NGF) theory which
includes quantum effects beyond a Boltzmann transport description. In the NGF
theory, we include interface roughness, impurity, and electron-phonon
scattering processes within a self-consistent Born approximation, and
electron-electron scattering in a mean-field approximation. With this theory we
obtain a description of the nonequilibrium stationary state of QC structures
under an applied bias, and hence we determine transport properties, such as the
current-voltage characteristic of these structures. We define two contributions
to the current, one contribution driven by the scattering-free part of the
Hamiltonian, and the other driven by the scattering Hamiltonian. We find that
the dominant part of the current in these structures, in contrast to simple
superlattice structures, is governed mainly by the scattering Hamiltonian. In
addition, by considering the linear response of the stationary state of the
structure to an applied optical field, we determine the linear susceptibility,
and hence the gain or absorption spectra of the structure. A comparison of the
spectra obtained from the more rigorous NGF theory with simpler models shows
that the spectra tend to be offset to higher values in the simpler theories.Comment: 44 pages, 16 figures, appearing in Physical Review B Dec 200
Increasing thermoelectric performance using coherent transport
We show that coherent electron transport through zero-dimensional systems can
be used to tailor the shape of the system's transmission function. This
quantum-engineering approach can be used to enhance the performance of quantum
dots or molecules in thermal-to-electric power conversion. Specifically, we
show that electron interference in a two-level system can substantially improve
the maximum thermoelectric power and the efficiency at maximum power by
suppressing parasitic charge flow near the Fermi energy, and by reducing
electronic heat conduction. We discuss possible realizations of this approach
in molecular junctions or quantum dots.Comment: 4+ pages, 4 figure
Disentangling Dark Matter Dynamics with Directional Detection
Inelastic dark matter reconciles the DAMA anomaly with other null direct
detection experiments and points to a non-minimal structure in the dark matter
sector. In addition to the dominant inelastic interaction, dark matter
scattering may have a subdominant elastic component. If these elastic
interactions are suppressed at low momentum transfer, they will have similar
nuclear recoil spectra to inelastic scattering events. While upcoming direct
detection experiments will see strong signals from such models, they may not be
able to unambiguously determine the presence of the subdominant elastic
scattering from the recoil spectra alone. We show that directional detection
experiments can separate elastic and inelastic scattering events and discover
the underlying dynamics of dark matter models.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, references and figures update
Optimization Schemes for Efficient Multiple Exciton Generation and Extraction in Colloidal Quantum Dots
Multiple exciton generation is a process in which more than one electron hole
pair is generated per absorbed photon. It allows us to increase the efficiency
of solar energy harvesting. Experimental studies have shown the multiple
exciton generation yield of 1.2 in isolated colloidal quantum dots. However
real photoelectric devices require the extraction of electron hole pairs to
electric contacts. We provide a systematic study of the corresponding quantum
coherent processes including extraction and injection and show that a proper
design of extraction and injection rates enhances the yield significantly up to
values around 1.6.Comment: 5 pages, accepted by The Journal of Chemical Physic
Strapdown Miniature Electrostatic Gyro /SDMEG/ development and evaluation Final report, 1 Jun. 1965 - 28 Mar. 1969
Feasibility study for strapdown electrically suspended gyroscope in attitude reference system for spacecraf
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