Electron-phonon interaction and velocity oscillations in quantum wire structures

A 1D Monte Carlo simulation of a multisubband quantum wire indicates the presence of spatial velocity oscillations dependent on the strength of a longitudinally applied electric field. This effect results from the quasi-coherent relaxation of the electron ensemble upon reaching the threshold for polar optical phonon emission. Although these oscillations have been predicted for bulk semiconductors, the peaked scattering rates and lack of angular randomization existing in quasi-1D systems make these structures ideally suited for detecting this phenomenon. Both the field and temperature dependence are explored.