Optical transitions in a step quantum well

Abstract

We have theoretically studied the field-dependent optical properties of a step quantum-well structure, which consists of a small well inside a big well. The wave functions of the small and big wells overlap and their eigenenergies have different field dependencies. The transition from a small-well state to a big well state thus gives a large Stark shift at low applied field without degrading the oscillator strength. Another advantage is to allow optical transitions that are forbidden in simple single-well structures. This relaxation of the selection rule makes it possible to provide optical pumping for intersubband lasing. Also, since the step well is asymmetric, many nonlinear properties are expected.