MQW
Multi-quantum well (MQW) is a semiconductor heterostructure that contains multiple thin quantum wells separated by barrier layers within an active region of a device. In MQWs, electrons and holes are confined in the growth direction, forming discrete energy states and enhancing radiative transitions. The active region typically stacks several wells to increase overall recombination efficiency and to tailor the emission or absorption spectrum.
Common MQW systems include GaAs/AlGaAs and InGaAs/GaAs for infrared and visible applications, as well as InGaN/GaN
Well and barrier thicknesses are chosen to achieve the desired confinement: typical well thickness is about
Applications span light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, photodetectors, modulators, and certain solar-cell concepts. MQWs offer advantages in