Optoelectronics of semiconductor superlattices

摘要

In this review we attempt to give a comprehensive analysis of the most important electro-optical effects in electronically coupled semiconductor quantum- well systems. We present a general theoretical approach based on the semiconductor Bloch equations and their extensions. Linear and nonlinear optical electroabsorption properties are analyzed, the occurrence of terahertz (THz) signals in biased superlattices is discussed and detailed aspects of intra - and interband carrier relaxation processes are evaluated. In addition to the case of perfectly ordered regular superlattices we also discuss Properties of modified structures.