On the validity of momentum relaxation time in low-dimensional carrier gases

Abstract

The momentum relaxation time (MRT) is widely used to simplify low-field mobility calculations including anisotropic scattering processes. Although not always fully justified, it has been very practical in simulating transport in bulk and in low-dimensional carrier gases alike. We review the assumptions behind the MRT, quantify the error introduced by its usage for low-dimensional carrier gases, and point out its weakness in accounting for inter-subband interaction, occurring specifically at low inversion densities.