The electronic band parameters calculated by the Kronig–Penney method for Cd 1− xZn xS quantum dot superlattices

Abstract

This work reports on a theoretical study of superlattices based on Cd 1− x Zn x S quantum dots embedded in an insulating material. We show, in particular, how this system can be assumed to a series of flattened cylindrical quantum dots with a finite barrier height at the boundary. In this paper, are also reviewed the approximations needed to calculate the band edges of the Cd 1− x Zn x S superlattices with use of the Kronig–Penney model. The electronic states and the electron effective masses of both Γ 1- and Γ 2-minibands have been computed as a function of zinc composition for different inter-quantum dot separations. As is found, the CdS system is appropriate to give rise a superlattice behavior for conduction electrons in a relatively large range of inter-sheet separations. An attempt to explain the electron band parameters calculated will be presented.