Abstract

Hot electron diffusion in a lateral surface superlattice (LSSL) is studied by the Monte Carlo technique. The LSSL is a surface oriented, two-dimensional superlattice made from GaAlAs and GaAs. Reich et al [1] have previously developed a Monte Carlo model of hot electron transport in a LSSL. They found that the structure should exhibit a negative differential mobility due to the onset of Bloch oscillations. This negative differential mobility may make this structure useful as a millimeter-wave negative resistance oscillator. To properly model its application as such an oscillator one needs to know the value of the electron diffusion coefficient as a function of field. We have used the Reich model and estimated values of the diffusion coefficient by Monte Carlo techniques.

© 1985 Optical Society of America