Improving performance of resonant tunneling devices in asymmetric structures

Based on the global coherent tunneling model, we present a self-consistent calculation and show that structural asymmetry of double barrier resonant tunneling structures (DBRTSs) significantly modifies the current–voltage characteristics compared to the symmetric structures. Within the framework of the dielectric continuum model, we further investigate the phonon-assisted tunneling (PAT) current in symmetric and asymmetric DBRTSs. Both the interface modes and the confined bulk-like longitudinal-optical phonons are considered. The results indicate that the four higher-frequency interface phonon modes (especially the one which has the largest electron–phonon interaction at either interface of the emitter barrier) dominate the PAT processes. We show that a suitably designed asymmetric structure can produce much larger peak current and absolute value of the negative differential conductivity than its commonly used symmetric counterpart.