Auger recombination in a quantum-well-heterostructure laser

Abstract

The problem of Auger recombination of electrons and holes in a quantum-well heterostructure is considered. We derive an expression for the Auger recombination rate for the CHSH process, with the carriers involved remaining in their ground-state subbands. We make the usual approximations of parabolic isotropic bandstructures, and assume Boltzmann statistics are valid. Our results are used to obtain the ratio of the Auger recombination rates in quantum well and bulk structures, and the ratio obtained provides a useful extension of previous work. For quantum-well lasers at 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm, we find that the Auger recombination rates are similar to those found in the bulk, provided that the carrier concentrations in the quantum well and the bulk are the same.