Theoretical properties of electron wave diffraction due to a transversally periodic structure in semiconductors

Electron-wave diffraction caused by a grating structure is analyzed. In the grating, potential energy varies periodically in the direction perpendicular to the electron transport. Interference between models in the grating strongly affects diffraction efficiency. As a result, both high and low efficiency, about 90% and less than 1% respectively, can be obtained depending on the electron energy. Thus, the diffraction can be switched by changing the acceleration voltage of the electron.<>