THE OPTICAL-ABSORPTION OF QUANTUM-WELL WIRES

The optical absorption of quantum-well wires is studied theoretically. A single quantum-well wire is treated by means of the subband expansi on which allows us to classify the optical transitions. The accuracy o f this approximation for quantitative predictions is examined. For the first time, optical spectra of quantum-well-wire arrays are calculate d, including Coulomb interaction and continuum states. The absorption shows Fano resonances and features of above-barrier excitons. As the b and offsets increase, we observe a transition to decoupled quantum-wel l wires. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.