Formalism of the Kronig-Penney model for superlattices of variable basis

Abstract

A formalism of the Kronig-Penney model based on the transfer-matrix technique and the envelope-function approximation has been developed for superlattices. It can be used in handling superlattices composed of complicated bases, is easier to use than the conventional Kronig-Penney model in matching boundary conditions, and is more accurate because the effective mass and band coupling are included. The minibands of superlattices having different superlattice bases are analyzed by this new method.