Breakdown of the linear approximation to the Boltzmann transport equation in quasi-one-dimensional semiconductors

S. Briggs, J. P. Leburton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigate the validity of the linear approximation to the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) in a one-dimensional quantum-wire structure. We model a single-subband wire at 300 K with polar optic-phonon scattering. The results of the linearized BTE calculation are analyzed for consistency and compared to the results of a Monte Carlo simulation. The linear approximation is found to be inconsisent for fields as low as 50 V/cm for two different confinement conditions. The Monte Carlo results predict a large deviation from a Maxwellian distribution for even lower fields. We attribute this breakdown to the low scattering rate below the phonon emission threshold and the lack of angular randomization in one-dimensional systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8025-8028
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume39
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics

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