KEYWORDS: Phonons, Monte Carlo methods, Ultrafast phenomena, Indium arsenide, Quantum wells, Solar cells, Scattering, Quantum experiments, Systems modeling, Quantum simulation
The ultrashort time scale carrier dynamics of photoexcited carriers in semiconductor nanostructures is critical in controlling energy loss processes, which is necessary to realize advanced concept photovoltaic devices based on concepts such as hot carrier extraction. Here, we compare ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) simulation of carrier dynamics in semiconductor multi-quantum well (MQW) structures with continuous wave photoluminescence studies performed in type I and type II InGaAs quantum wells. We compare the effects of including nonequilibrium phonon effects as well as the inclusion of intervalley scattering in the EMC simulations on the simulated carrier distribution functions in comparison with the PL studies. EMC analysis shows that reduced carrier cooling is predominantly due to nonequilibrium LO phonons. For type II systems, additional effects due to real space transfer and delocalization of the photoexcited holes occur.
KEYWORDS: Monte Carlo methods, Phonons, Solar energy, Photovoltaics, Quantum wells, Solar cells, Scattering, Ionization, Nanostructuring, Ultrafast phenomena
We use ensemble Monte Carlo simulation of electrons and holes to investigate ultrafast carrier processes related to hot carrier capture and multi-exciton generation relevant for advanced photovoltaic devices. The particle based simulation includes electron-phonon scattering in quantum wells and quantum wires, intercarrier scattering including impact ionization, and nonequilibrium phonon effects. For quantum well devices, we elucidate how nonequilibrium phonons and real/k-space transfer contribute to the slower energy relaxation rates observed in quantum well structures. For nanowires, we show that energy relaxation is slowed due to bandstructure effects and reduced dimensionality, and that impact ionization is enhanced above the threshold, leading to strong carrier multiplication.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.