Self-consistent calculation of dephasing in quantum cascade structures within a density matrix method

Dephasing in terahertz quantum cascade structures is studied within a density matrix formalism. We self-consistently calculate the pure dephasing time from the intrasubband interactions within the upper and lower lasing states. Interface roughness and ionized impurity scattering interactions are included in the calculation. Dephasing times are shown to be consistent with measured spontaneous emission spectra, and the lattice temperature dependence of the device output power is consistent with experiment. The importance of including multiple optical transitions when a lower miniband continuum is present and the resulting multi-longitudinal modes within the waveguide resonant cavity are also shown.