Periodic electric-field domains in optically excited multiple-quantum-well structures

We demonstrate using an ensemble Monte Carlo particle modeling that periodic electric-field domains can arise in optically excited multiple quantum well structures under applied voltage. In particular, the formation of the electric-field distributions with the period equal to twice the structure period is possible. This effect is attributed to the excitation of the recharging waves due to decreasing energy dependence of the capture rate of hot electron capture into quantum wells and nonlocal heating of electrons by electric field.