Electron–Phonon Interaction in Semi‐Infinite Semiconductor Superlattices

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper the single‐particle Hamiltonian of the electron–(long‐wave optical) phonon interaction is discussed for semi‐infinite semiconductor superlattices. The dispersion relation of the (longwave optical) surface phonon modes is analyzed in detail. These modes are composed from ordinary interface phonons on adjacent interfaces coupling through their macroscopic electric fields to form a surface collective excitation of the whole structure with an electric field having an envelope function decaying exponentially from the surface of the semi‐infinite superlattice. The coupling function of the electron–phonon interaction is calculated using a continuum theory. This coupling function describing the modified Fröhlich interaction of a single electron with the continuous field of polarization of the surface phonons is discussed and presented in graphical form.