Symmetrized Hamiltonian versus ‘Foreman’ Hamiltonian for semiconductor valence band: an insight

A quantitative comparison of different k·p calculations of valence-band states in quantum-confined semiconductor heterostructures is presented. The importance of using the appropriate Hamiltonian form is studied quantitatively following a numerical method which enables discrimination between existing Hamiltonians. The correct form of the Hamiltonian appears to be the Foreman Hamiltonian, which gives physically reasonable results contrary to the symmetrized Hamiltonian.