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VSP—a quantum-electronic simulation framework

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Abstract

The Vienna Schrödinger-Poisson (VSP) simulation framework for quantum-electronic engineering applications is presented. It is an extensive software tool that includes models for band structure calculation, self-consistent carrier concentrations including strain, mobility, and transport in transistors and heterostructure devices. The basic physical models are described. Through flexible combination of basic models sophisticated simulation setups for particular problems are feasible. The numerical tools, methods and libraries are presented. A layered software design allows VSP’s existing components such as models and solvers to be combined in a multitude of ways, and new components to be added easily. The design principles of the software are explained. Software abstraction is divided into the data, modeling and algebraic level resulting in a flexible physical modeling tool. The simulator’s capabilities are demonstrated with real-world simulation examples of tri-gate and nanoscale planar transistors, quantum dots, resonant tunneling diodes, and quantum cascade detectors.

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Acknowledgements

This work has been supported by the Austrian Science Fund program F025 (IR-ON), and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, project 838551 (NeGFQTS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Microelectronics, TU Wien, Gußhausstraße 27-29/E360, 1040, Wien, Austria

    Oskar Baumgartner, Zlatan Stanojevic & Hans Kosina

  2. Global TCAD Solutions GmbH, Landhausgasse 4/1a, 1010, Wien, Austria

    Klaus Schnass & Markus Karner

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  1. Oskar Baumgartner
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  2. Zlatan Stanojevic
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  3. Klaus Schnass
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  4. Markus Karner
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  5. Hans Kosina
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Correspondence to Oskar Baumgartner.

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The first two authors contributed equally to the paper.

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Baumgartner, O., Stanojevic, Z., Schnass, K. et al. VSP—a quantum-electronic simulation framework. J Comput Electron 12, 701–721 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10825-013-0535-y

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