Harmonic-Gaussian Symmetric and Asymmetric Double Quantum Wells: Magnetic Field Effects

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Feb 27;13(5):892. doi: 10.3390/nano13050892.

Abstract

In this study, we considered the linear and non-linear optical properties of an electron in both symmetrical and asymmetrical double quantum wells, which consist of the sum of an internal Gaussian barrier and a harmonic potential under an applied magnetic field. Calculations are in the effective mass and parabolic band approximations. We have used the diagonalization method to find eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the electron confined within the symmetric and asymmetric double well formed by the sum of a parabolic and Gaussian potential. A two-level approach is used in the density matrix expansion to calculate the linear and third-order non-linear optical absorption and refractive index coefficients. The potential model proposed in this study is useful for simulating and manipulating the optical and electronic properties of symmetric and asymmetric double quantum heterostructures, such as double quantum wells and double quantum dots, with controllable coupling and subjected to externally applied magnetic fields.

Keywords: double quantum well; harmonic-Gaussian potential; magnetic field.

Grants and funding

CAD is grateful to the Colombian Agencies: CODI-Universidad de Antioquia (Estrategia de Sostenibilidad de la Universidad de Antioquia and projects “Propiedades magneto-ópticas y óptica no lineal en superredes de Grafeno”, “Estudio de propiedades ópticas en sistemas semiconductores de dimensiones nanoscópicas”, “Propiedades de transporte, espintrónicas y térmicas en el sistema molecular ZincPorfirina”, and “Complejos excitónicos y propiedades de transporte en sistemas nanométricos de semiconductores con simetría axial”), and Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales-Universidad de Antioquia (CAD exclusive dedication projects 2022-2023). CAD also acknowledges the financial support from El Patrimonio Autónomo Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento para la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Innovación Francisco José de Caldas (project: CD 111580863338, CT FP80740-173-2019). MEMR acknowledges Mexican CONACYT for support through Grant A1-S-8218.