  We have theoretically and numerically studied nitride-based quantum well (QW)
laser structures. More specifically, we have used a QW made with III-nitride
where the width of the barrier region is large relative to the electron mean
free path, and we have calculated the electron surface capture velocities by
considering an electron flux which is captured into the well region. The
process is assisted by the emission of the longitudinal optical phonons as
predicted by the hybrid (HB) model. The results of surface capture velocities
via the emission of HB phonons are compared to the emission of the dielectric
continuum phonons (Zakhleniuk et al 1999 Phys. Status Solidi a 176 79). Our
investigation shows that the two different phonon models predict almost the
same results for the non-retarded limit. Furthermore, the surface capture
velocities strongly depend on the size of the structure and the heterostructure
materials. Lastly, a comparison to the recent experimental values shows that
our model could accurately describe the experimentally measured parameters of
the quantum capture processes.
