Recombination coefficients in low-dimensional systems, with special reference to long-wavelength quaternary lasers

A survey is made of the experimental and theoretical values available in the literature on radiative and Auger recombination rates in 3-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 1-dimensional systems for materials used in long-wavelength quaternary lasers. The values are compared with order-of-magnitude estimates based on simple dimensional arguments, with a view to the possibility of tailoring recombination rates in lowdimensional systems. It is concluded that the use of low-dimensional systems may not produce large changes in the relative sizes of the radiative and Auger rates.