The envel/pe‐function theorem is considered in the ,imit that el%ctron energy far exceeds that of the characteristic height of the potgntial array which, in turn, is comprised of a slowly varying component and smaller amplitude rapidly varying component. Working in the nearly‐free‐electron model, it is found that ‘‘new’’ energies and wave functions at band edges are those related to the slowly varying component of the potential. Wave functions related to the rapidly varying potential component average to zero over a small function of a primitive cell. These properties comprise the envelope‐function theorem relevant to high‐energy charge carriers passing through a quantum well array.

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© 1995 American Institute of Physics.
1995
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