Models of the interaction between electrons and polar optical phonons in nanostructures

Abstract

A brief summary is made of the models used to describe the interaction between electrons and polar optical phonons in nanostructures. Simpler models are compared with the model that describes optical modes that satisfy both mechanical and electrical boundary conditions. Satisfaction of these boundary conditions requires modes to be a linear combination (LC) of longitudinal (LO), transverse (TO) and interface (IF) modes. The role of lattice dispersion turns out to be crucial. If accuracy is not essential, the simple models can provide adequate results, provided that coupled-mode and hot-phonon effects are absent.