Random telegraphic noise in double barrier systems

Abstract

A random telegraphic noise (RTN) in a resonant tunneling device (RTD) has been found through a self-consistent particle Monte Carlo (MC) simulation with model quantum dynamics. The onset of RTN coincides with the onset of tunneling conduction, and with the onset of the low-current valley region of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic. The simulation demonstrates the presence of the statistical capture and release of tunneling charged particles by the quantum well, which is similar to the capture and release of electrons by electron traps (defects, etc.). It is proposed that this may represent a novel mechanism for explaining the experimentally observed RTN behavior of large-area double-barrier structures since it is not restricted to small-area devices.