Abstract

Wave packet systems in semiconductor superlattices are discussed. The wave packet approach is an intuitive method for the study of coherent carrier dynamics in superlattices that have been excited by using a short laser pulse. The theoretical formalism¹ can be applied to a variety of III–V and II–VI systems. In this discussion, only GaAs/AlGaAs superlattices are studied. Significant results are seen. Coupled wells are shown to exhibit quasi-periodic dynamics for certain superlattice and excitation parameters. Phenomena that have been observed and predicted in atomic wave packet systems are seen in these systems. These include the breakup of wave packets when energy levels are not evenly spaced and the revival of the wave packet after long times when energy spacings are nearly equal. These superlattices also exhibit semiconductor features, such as excitonic and hole effects. A discussion of comparisons with experimental results is also presented.

© 1992 Optical Society of America