Wannier interpolation of the electron-phonon matrix elements in polar semiconductors: Polar-optical coupling in GaAs

Abstract

A new computational method is introduced that allows interpolation of the electron-phonon matrix elements in the space of localized Wannier functions, extending a previous method for study of polar semiconductors. The amount of broadening of the bands in GaAs due to electron-phonon scattering is presented, showing good agreement with experimental results. The method is shown to perform better than an empirical pseudopotential.