Carrier dynamics and high speed issues in devices based on low dimensional structures

Low-dimensional structures such as quantum wires and quantum dots provide a number of potential advantages for electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, depending upon the physics on which the device is based, there are some handicaps that result from the lower dimensions. Lower scattering can be of advantage to electronic devices but can cause serious difficulties in the high speed operation of lasers. In this paper we examine some of the special features in the carrier scattering that arise from the lower dimensionality of quantum wires and quantum dots. The importance of interface roughness is examined for electronic devices. Also carrier thermalization due to electron-phonon and electron-hole scattering is discussed