Quantum cascade lasers exploit optical transitions between quantized electronic energy levels in multi‐quantum‐well structures for light generation and detection. This design principle enables the realization of compact, semiconductor‐based lasers in the mid‐infrared and terahertz spectral regions. In this contribution, the modeling of such devices is discussed based on an ensemble Monte Carlo approach, enhanced by modifications obtained from the density matrix formalism. A special emphasis is put on the inclusion of nonequilibrium electron and phonon effects. The simulations are validated against available experimental data for a terahertz quantum cascade laser.     «

Quantum cascade lasers exploit optical transitions between quantized electronic energy levels in multi‐quantum‐well structures for light generation and detection. This design principle enables the realization of compact, semiconductor‐based lasers in the mid‐infrared and terahertz spectral regions. In this contribution, the modeling of such devices is discussed based on an ensemble Monte Carlo approach, enhanced by modifications obtained from the density matrix formalism. A special emphasis is p...     »