Quantum well electro-absorption in a strong electric field: a continuum spectrum approach

Starting from the continuous energy spectrum of a quantum well subjected to a perpendicular electric field, electro-absorption is analysed within the effective-mass approximation. The electric field considered is assumed to be strong enough that the exciton effects may be neglected. The influence of the difference between the well and bulk effective masses on the electron and hole wavefunctions, as well as on absorption, is thoroughly discussed. The absolute values of the well absorption are determined for a couple of examples.