Electron-phonon interaction in the Bloch-Grüneisen regime: Barrier penetration effects

Abstract

Barrier penetration effects on electron-phonon interaction of a two-dimensional electron gas confined in a finite barrier height quantum well are investigated in the Bloch-Grüneisen (BG) regime. Barrier penetration effects on demarcation between low-temperature, BG regime and high-temperature, equipartition regime electron-phonon interaction are studied. Strict phase-space selection rules in the BG regime reveal distinct features of electron-phonon interaction in finite barrier height quantum wells. Using a realistic finite barrier height for the confinement of carriers in a quantum well, we show modifications in the behavior of acoustic phonon scattering rates and mobility. A smooth transition from linear to nonlinear behavior of mobility is observed below the BG regime transition temperature. Numerical calculations show infinite barrier height and equipartition regime approximations lead to unrealistic intrinsic electron-phonon interaction.