Control of charge transports in semiconductor superlattices using an acoustic wave

• Main Author: Awodele, M. Kofoworola
• Published: Loughborough University 2014
• Subjects: 621.3815
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.639740

In this work, we describe the electron dynamics in semiconductor superlattices (SLs) when driven by an acoustic wave. First, we discuss the physical features and structure of SLs. Then we describe semiclassical transport in periodic potential driven by a plane wave, and the dynamics of ultracold atoms in the periodic potentials. Secondly, we explore single electron dynamics in superlattices driven by an acoustic wave, then present and analyse the types of electron trajectories according to the strength of the acoustic wave amplitude. The two dynamical regimes obtained depend on the wave amplitude strength and the initial position of electrons in the acoustic wave. The frequency range of the oscillation produced can be as large as terahertz. Lastly, we discuss the effect of applying a static electric field to the acoustically driven SLs. When the acoustic wave and electric fields were applied together along the axis of SLs, we obtained a higher peak drift velocity than when the acoustic wave or electric fields were applied alone. We use the phase portrait to explain the electron trajectory and the path of the electrons. The global state associated with the drastic change in the drift velocity of the electrons depends on the varied parameters in the dynamical systems. We numerically calculate the electron trajectories while we varied the strength of electric field and wave amplitude to investigate the role of interactions in the system. When very high electric field and very high wave amplitude are applied together along the axis of SL, global catastrophe occurs. This is the discontinuous bifurcation in dynamical system.