The non-equilibrium kinetics of the two-dimensional electron gas in a deep
quantum well is studied for qualitatively different physical situations, wh
ich are distinguished by the different strength of the electron-electron in
teraction. The electron temperature and the electron mobility dependences o
n the electric held, electron density, and the lattice temperature are pres
ented. It is shown that at high electron density the electron temperature i
s a non-monotonous function of the electric held, which has a segment where
the electron temperature decreases with increasing electric field. We also
predict a new physical effect - the absolute cooling of the electrons wher
eby the electron temperature of the two-dimensional electron gas is lower t
han the lattice temperature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.