Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Nanofabrication of Gate-defined GaAs/AlGaAs Lateral Quantum Dots
Published on: November 2, 2013
Dynamic scenarios of multistable switching in semiconductor superlattices
A Amann1, A Wacker, L L Bonilla
1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Berlin, Hardenbergstrasse 36, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
We analyze the dynamics of charge distributions in weakly coupled, doped, dc voltage biased semiconductor superlattices subject to voltage steps of different sizes. Qualitatively different current responses to voltage switching processes have been observed experimentally. We explain them by invoking distinct scenarios for electric-field domain formation, validated by numerical simulations. Furthermore, we investigate the transient from an unstable to a stable point in the current-voltage characteristics after a steplike or ramplike increase of the external voltage.
Related Concept Videos
Carrier Generation and Recombination
This process is given by the generation rate G and is efficient due to the conservation of momentum between the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum.
Indirect generation involves an...
Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
Schottky Barriers
Schottky barriers arise when a metal with a work function (Φm) contacts a semiconductor with a different work function (Φs). Initially, electrons transfer until the Fermi levels of the metal and semiconductor align at equilibrium. For instance, if Φm > Φs, the semiconductor Fermi level is higher than the metal's before contact. The semiconductor's...
Biasing of Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
In Schottky junctions, where the semiconductor is n-type, applying a positive voltage to the metal relative to the semiconductor reduces its Fermi...
Switching of BJT
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are reverse-biased. The...
MOS Capacitor
The metal gate is typically made from highly conductive materials such as aluminum or polysilicon. Beneath the metal gate lies a thin layer of...
MOSFET: Enhancement Mode
In their basic form, enhancement-mode MOSFETs are typically non-conductive when the gate-source voltage (Vgs) is zero. This default 'off' state means no current...

