Computational studies of the physics of optoelectronic devices

Computational studies of modern electronic and optoelectronic devices often rely on specialized techniques of limited validity. This thesis describes an effort to integrate semi-classical device analysis through very general principles of \u27scattering matrices\u27. After briefly explaining the motivation behind this work, we establish the Scattering Matrix Approach as a rigorous solution to the steady state Boltzmann equation and derive its mathematical properties. Then this approach is used to solve 1-D heterostructure device problems including high field transport, high injection conditions, and emitter-base transport in modern heterojunction bipolar transistors. Next, we develop similar matrix based technique for time dependent problems called the Transition Matrix Approach and use the technique to interpret pump-probe experiments, and quantum well laser dynamics with a coupled system of electron, phonon, and photons. The accuracy of this numerical model is established by comparing the results with those from simpler balance equations. Next, matrix based techniques are developed for space and time dependent problems. Example calculations involving transport limited frequency response of lasers and heterojunction bipolar transistors are presented. Finally, we identify future research issues and suggest ways to solve some of those problems by using the matrix based techniques developed in this work