Calculation of the wave functions in the space charge region of a double-barrier resonant tunneling diode, with applications

Abstract

In a bound potential well wave functions can exist only for the eigen states. However, nonzero wave functions would exist for all the energies inside a potential well with totally reflecting barrier on one side and partially transmissive barrier on the other side. A model is presented to calculate wave functions inside such a potential well. A similar situation is encountered in the triangular well developed in the space charge region of the emitter of a double-barrier tunnel diode. This paper shows that a significant amplitude of the wavefunction exists inside the well for energies far-off the resonant energies. Existence of these wave functions significantly influences the current of the potential structure. The model is then applied to calculate the current in a double-barrier potential structure incorporating inelastic scattering. Results show very good qualitative agreement with the reported measured results.