ANALYSIS OF GUIDED ELECTRON WAVES IN COUPLED QUANTUM-WELLS

The propagation of guided electron waves in two coupled quantum wells is analyzed with use of coupled-mode equations. The conditions for energy transfer from one well to the other are examined and expressed in terms of coupling constants and propagation constants. The model developed in this work allows for the accurate determination of key structure parameters, such as the transfer length, and remains valid under strong-coupling conditions where the first-order model becomes inadequate. The analysis presented here should provide a useful basis for the design and evaluation of mesoscopic devices operating with coupled electron waves.