Impact of momentum dependent matrix elements on scattering effects in quantum cascade lasers

Results for our fully frequency and wavevector-depended self-consistent nonequilibrium Green's function simulations of electron transport through quantum cascade lasers are compared to those from a simplified approach where scattering rates are only evaluated at representative 'typical values' of the in-plane momentum due to the complexity of the underlying many body problem and the limited computational resources available. We find a noticeable impact on electronic lineshapes.(C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim