Auger recombination rate in quantum well lasers

Abstract

Auger recombination is the dominant non-radiative process in InGaAsP quantum well lasers and is responsible for the poor temperature dependence of the threshold current density. In all recent calculations of the Auger rate the electron-electron interaction potential is taken to be either of the bulk form or an approximate form derived from it. In the present work, the rate is calculated by taking an appropriate potential valid for quasi two-dimensional electrons and the expected changes are pointed out. The calculated Auger life-time is in agreement with the values reported in the literature.