Momentum filter using resonant Zener tunneling

Abstract

We consider the formation of a double barrier structure which includes both the valence and conduction bands in an $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{Sb}∕\mathrm{In}\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{Sb}$ quantum well system and demonstrate basic features of the transport process through this structure, which exhibits Zener tunneling. In particular, we employ an eight-band model and the Landauer-B\"uttiker formalism [Phys. Rev. B 31, 6207 (1985)] to investigate the transport process which under high confinement involves resonant energy levels due to the induced quasibound states in the valence bands. The mechanism of momentum filtering, taking advantage of resonant Zener tunneling, is shown to give improved performance at elevated temperatures compared with a unipolar double barrier resonant tunneling structure.