Self-consistent Monte Carlo particle transport with model quantum tunneling dynamics: Application to the intrinsic bistability of a symmetric double-barrier structure

Abstract

The intrinsic bistability in a symmetric resonant tunneling device (RTD) is simulated by the ensemble particle Monte Carlo technique, coupled with a simple model of the space- and time-dependent particle quantum dynamics inside the double-barrier region of the RTD. This model particle quantum dynamics is based upon the phase-time delay, which is obtained from a piecewise-linear-potential Airy function approach to the calculation of the transmission amplitude. An unambiguous hysteresis in the negative differential resistance (NDR) region of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic is observed for a symmetric AlGaAs/GaAs double-barrier structure. The dynamical accumulation of carriers in the well is seen to be the cause of this marked bistability/hysteresis. However, the plateau-like features of the I-V curve are not resolved, although oscillations in the quantum well carrier density in the NDR are prominent. This article strongly suggests that a more accurate treatment of the space- and time-dependent particle quantum dynamics across the RTD is of paramount importance.