Polaron properties in quantum wells

The Lee-Low-Pines variational method is used to investigate the properties of a polaron in a quantum well (QW). The electron wave function in a finite-height potential barrier has been used for the calculation. Therefore, the influence of the barrier height on the polaron properties is taken into account. GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{-}\mathit{x}}$As QW is chosen as an example to calculate the polaron energy and effective mass. Our results indicate that the barrier height has an important influence on the polaron properties in a QW. © 1996 The American Physical Society.