The GaInAsP/InP device described consists of an InP p-n junction with a GaI
nAsP quantum well placed on the n-side within the depletion region. Two ohm
ic contacts are diffused through the layers into the structure defining an
active surface area. When a voltage is applied across these contacts in the
plane of the layers, electrons on the n-side of the structure, and holes o
n the p-side art: heated by the electric field. These carriers are captured
by the quantum well and recombine, resulting in light emission from the su
rface. During operation the large built-in electric field remains. This aff
ects the position of the subbands. and the overlap of the electron and hole
wavefunctions via the quantum confined stark effect (QCSE), and is depende
nt on the position of the quantum well. The emission wavelength is modelled
as a function of position of the GaInAsP quantum well within the built-in
electric field of the InP p-n junction using self-consistent numerical one-
dimensional solutions of the Poisson and Schrodinger equations. Two similar
structures. differing only in the position of their quantum well are inves
tigated experimentally.