ABSTRACT
A quantum well (QW) is a heterostructure in which one thin-well layer is surrounded by two barrier layers. This layer is so thin that both electrons and holes are quantized. This chapter reviews theoretical formalism to calculate eigenvalues and wave functions of (001)-oriented zinc-blende and (0001)-oriented wurtzite QW structures. It discusses crystal orientation effects on electronic and optical properties of strained zinc-blende and wurtzite QW structures, including the Hamiltonian for nonpolar wurtzite QW structures. The chapter considers a strained-layer QW structure, assuming that the growth direction is along the z-axis and the strain caused by lattice mismatch is entirely elastically accommodated in the QW. Analytical expressions for strain components for general crystal orientation can be obtained from the condition that the layer is grown pseudomorphically and the condition that strain energy density should be minimal.
