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402-0465-58L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MTEC , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-CHAB
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Intersubband Optoelectronics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jérôme Faist
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:10

Abstract

Intersubband transitions in quantum wells are transitions between states created by quantum confinement in ultra-thin layers of semiconductors.

Content

Intersubband transitions in quantum wells are transitions between states created by quantum confinement in ultra-thin layers of semiconductors. Their unique physical properties, such as a atomic-like density of states, as well as the fact that they can be manufactured in the technology mature III-V semiconductors makes them an attractive building block for mid-infrared optoelectronics. In fact, modulators, detectors and lasers were all demonstrated using this technology, and are becoming mainstream devices for a new generation of optoelectronics for sensing and telecommunication applications. Basic physics: Semiconductors: growth and processing - MBE/MOCVD - RIE Semiconductor quantum wells: - Description of the states in terms of envelope functions - In-plane dispersion, non-parabolicity Intersubband processes I (one body processes) - Optical transitions: absorption - Scattering by various processes (acoustic, optical phonons) Intersubband processes II (many body interactions) - ee scattering - intersubband plasmon - depolarization shift Intersubband processes III (electron cooling) - Energy loss mechanism and temperature measurements Quantum cascade lasers I: fundamentals - Active region design: fundamental concepts - Rate equation analysis, threshold condition, slope efficiency - dielectric waveguide designs: "plasmon enhancement" - Comparison with results Quantum cascade lasers II: models - Density matrix approach: Kazarinov resonant tunneling formula - Density matrix approach: second-order processes - Comprehensive models - Thermal aspects: lattice heating - Thermal aspects: electron heating Quantum cascade lasers III: characteristics - Temperature behavior - single mode devices Detectors: - QWIP - Quantum cascade detector Towards 3D confinement: Magnetic field - Landau levels, absorption in B-field Non-linear interactions - high-field effects - intersubband non-linearities - material aspects - Integrated non-linear devices

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Intersubband Optoelectronics
  • Thu 10:45-12:30 (HIT J 53)
2 h weekly
exercise Intersubband Optoelectronics
  • Thu 08:45-10:30 (HIT J 53)
1 h weekly

Offered In