Hot Electron Power Losses in a Quantum Well: A Realistic Polar Optical Phonon Model

Abstract

Calculations of hot electron power losses in a semiconductor quantum well are reported on the basis of a realistic phenomenological model for polar optical phonons and the corresponding Frohlich-type electron-phonon Hamiltonian. This model has been discussed in recent times and leads to a plausible description of such phonons. Hot electrons are taken in a steady state configuration when the temperature model is applicable. We assume a wide range of relatively low electron temperatures (25 to 100 K) and the contribution of acoustic phonons is also included. Comparison with previous theoretical and experimental work is made with the fundamental aim of evaluating the relative importance of this model for polar optical phonons for the description of power losses in a quantum well.