Novel hot-electron light emitter

A novel hot electron light emitter which has the potential to be used in the area of wavelength domain multiplexing (WDM) was presented last year. The device which we name HEBLE, Hot Electron Barrier Light Emitter, is a three terminal device. One terminal drives holes into the active region prior to a field applied between the other two which drives electrons over a barrier into the active region. In this paper we present simulation results which have allowed us to find a simpler structure and confirm the basic principle of the device. Our modelling has minimized the problem highlighted last year, namely the problem of the holes flooding into the n-doped region. The new structure is n (AlxGa1-xAs), p- (AlxGa1-xAs), and p (AlxGa-xAs). We have investigated methods of fabricating the device to produce a four wavelength emitter using the technique of intermixing. The use of current blocks in the device has also been investigated. Although good blocking was achieved, electrons from the current block flood into the quantum well, causing the device to turn on without heating the device.