Aperiodic and Asymmetric Multiple Quantum Well Photonic Devices: A Novel Transfer Matrix Based Model

Eigen states and Eigen functions are computed for aperiodic and asymmetric Multiple Quantum Wells (MQWs) by a faster, simpler and more accurate algorithm based on Transfer Matrix method. Time independent Schrodinger equation is solved for the most general MQW structures, where the wells and barriers are all made of different materials with different effective masses, and varying well and barrier widths. Assuming that the barrier allows coupling between adjacent wells, the effect of barrier width on carrier tunneling is investigated. The theoretical data are compared with results from the literature and measurements from actual experimental results of Georgette et al [1] and C. Koeniguer et al [2] and are found to agree well. The results show good agreement between all compared data, indicating that TMM has a great potential to be used in designing any aperiodic and asymmetric MQW photonic devices, sensors and detectors.