Abstract
Abstract We examine the local approximation in the Wigner function theory of quantum transport in a semiconductor heterostructure. We come up with an example which permits analytical analysis. We show, in this example, that the local approximation of mass discontinuity leads to nonphysical results, e.g., a negative carrier density and/or a jump in the density. We further argue, in the general case, that the local approximation might result in similar nonphysical features, although the size of them depends on details of the structure in consideration. This calls for a judicious use of the approximation.
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