Electrostatic model of band-gap renormalization and the photoluminescence line shape in a GaAs/AlGaAs two-dimensional layer at a high excitation level

An electrostatic model for calculating the band-gap renormalization in a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor layer (quantum well) due to the Coulomb interaction between nonequilibrium charge carriers has been proposed. Consideration is given only to the first quantum-well energy levels for electrons and heavy holes. The exchange and correlation energies are calculated for the first time taking into account the charge-carrier potential energyfluctuations created by electrons and holes along the 2D layer. A relationship for the screened Coulomb potential along the 2D layer is derived, which, within the extremely narrow quantum-well approximation, transforms into the known expression. The band-gap renormalization and the photoluminescence line shape for the GaAs 2D layer in an Al_xGa_1?x As matrix are computed depending on the concentration of nonequilibrium electrons and holes. The calculated band-gap renormalization is in agreement with the available experimental data at a high photoexcitation of the quantum well when the electrons and holes form the 2D plasma.