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Modeling bound-to-continuum terahertz quantum cascade lasers: The role of Coulomb interactions

Based on an ensemble Monte Carlo analysis, we show that Coulomb interactions play a dominant role in bound-to-continuum terahertz quantum cascade lasers and thus require careful modeling. Coulomb interactions enter our simulation in the form of space charge effects as well as Coulomb scattering events. By comparison to a full many-subband Coulomb screening model, we show that simplified approaches produce considerable deviations for such structures. Also the spin dependence of electron-electron scattering has to be adequately considered. Moreover, we demonstrate that iterative Schrödinger-Poisson and carrier transport simulations are necessary to correctly account for space charge effects.