VSP—a quantum-electronic simulation framework

• Published in: Journal of computational electronics Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 701 - 721
• Main Authors: Baumgartner, Oskar, Stanojevic, Zlatan, Schnass, Klaus, Karner, Markus, Kosina, Hans
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.12.2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Automation; Carrier density; Design optimization; Efficiency; Electrical Engineering; Electronic engineering; Engineering; Flexibility; Heterostructures; Interfaces; Mathematical and Computational Engineering; Mathematical and Computational Physics; Mechanical Engineering; Numerical methods; Optical and Electronic Materials; Quantum dots; Resonant tunneling; Simulation; Software; Software packages; Theoretical; Transistors; Tunnel diodes; VSP; Schrödinger; Nano-electronic devices; Quantum-mechanical simulation; Numerical methods
• ISSN: 1569-8025; 1572-8137
• DOI: 10.1007/s10825-013-0535-y

The Vienna Schrödinger-Poisson (VSP) simulation framework for quantum-electronic engineering applications is presented. It is an extensive software tool that includes models for band structure calculation, self-consistent carrier concentrations including strain, mobility, and transport in transistors and heterostructure devices. The basic physical models are described. Through flexible combination of basic models sophisticated simulation setups for particular problems are feasible. The numerical tools, methods and libraries are presented. A layered software design allows VSP’s existing components such as models and solvers to be combined in a multitude of ways, and new components to be added easily. The design principles of the software are explained. Software abstraction is divided into the data, modeling and algebraic level resulting in a flexible physical modeling tool. The simulator’s capabilities are demonstrated with real-world simulation examples of tri-gate and nanoscale planar transistors, quantum dots, resonant tunneling diodes, and quantum cascade detectors.