A computer-aided approach to teaching band structure formation

A computer-aided method for teaching energy band formation in a superlattice which enables direct comparison to energy band formation in crystals through the tight-binding method is presented. The time-independent Schroedinger equation for a heterostructure stack is solved by the transfer matrix method along with the effective mass approximation using a standard Fortran 77 computer code. The code is suitable for use on a personal computer which provides a ready laboratory in which the student can examine the effect of varying the electron wavefunction overlap between adjacent sites. In this way, the student can perform a series of computer experiments which vividly illustrate energy miniband formation in superlattices and by direct analogy energy band formation in crystals