Wigner function approach to nano device simulation Online publication date: Wed, 14-Mar-2007
by Hans Kosina
International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering (IJCSE), Vol. 2, No. 3/4, 2006
Abstract: Coherent transport in mesoscopic devices is well described by the Schrodinger equation supplemented by open boundary conditions. When electronic devices are operated at room temperature, however, a realistic transport model needs to include carrier scattering. In this work, the kinetic equation for the Wigner function is employed as a model for dissipative quantum transport. Carrier scattering is treated in an approximate manner through a Boltzmann collision operator. The development of Monte-Carlo algorithms for this quantum kinetic equation is complicated by the fact that, as opposed to the semi-classical case, the integral kernel is no longer positive. This so-called negative sign problem requires the introduction of new numerical techniques in order to obtain stable Monte-Carlo methods. A particular method for the solution of the stationary Wigner equation is presented. Applications to single barrier and double barrier structures are discussed.
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