Nonlinear dynamics of recharging processes in multiple quantum well structures excited by infrared radiation

We study the spatiotemporal variations of electric-field distributions in multiple quantum well structures excited by infrared radiation due to bound-to-continuum electron transitions using ensemble Monte Carlo particle simulations. The occurrence of self-sustained pulsing and the formation of spatially periodic electric-field domains with weakly oscillating amplitudes demonstrated in the simulations are associated with the excitation of the recharging waves. It is shown that the dynamics of electric-field distributions and photocurrent can be different in the structures with even and odd numbers of quantum wells.