The role of spatial dispersion of an electromagnetic wave in its penetration through a quantum well

The theory of light penetration through a quantum well in a strong magnetic field perpendicular to the well plane is developed under the conditions where interband transitions occur in the well. The light wavelength is assumed to be comparable to the well width. The relationships for the reflection, absorption, and transmission are derived with due regard for the spatial dispersion of a monochromatic light wave and the difference between the refractive indices of the quantum well and the barrier. The normal incidence of light with respect to the well plane is considered, and one excited level is taken into account. It is demonstrated that the above two factors most strongly affect the reflection, because the reflection from the well boundaries appears in addition to the reflection caused by interband transitions in the quantum well. The most radical changes in the reflection are observed in the case when the reciprocal radiative lifetime of the excited state in the quantum well is short compared to the reciprocal nonradiative lifetime. In the range of large well widths, the applicability of the theory is limited by the existence condition of quantum well levels.