Quantum well device for producing localized electron states for detectors and modulators

Abstract

In accordance with the invention, a quantum well device provides localized states for electrons having an energy E greater than the barrier height of the constituent quantum wells. The device comprises a confinement quantum well of width L.sub.w equal to an integer number n of deBroglie half wavelengths ##EQU1## and a plurality of adjacent quarter wavelength barriers and wells, each having a thickness equal to an odd number m of deBroglie quarter wavelengths. Constructive interference between the waves partially reflected by the interfaces between adjacent .lambda./4 barriers and .lambda./4 wells leads to the formation of a localized electron state at an energy E in the region of the confinement well. The device can be used in detectors and modulators employing transitions between a bound state within the well and the localized state above the well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.