Calculation and interpretation of the electronic properties of superlattices

Abstract
A new method is proposed for the calculation of the electronic properties of superlattices. The method is based on a similarity transformation separating the Hamiltonian into an average-crystal part and a part describing the superlattice effects. The second part is treated by perturbation theory, leading to a significant reduction of the dimensions of the Hamiltonian. Moreover, the method provides an easy interpretation of the results. Application is made for the GaSb/InAs superlattices, and the confinement and folding effects are discussed.