Role of collisional broadening in Monte Carlo simulations of terahertz quantum cascade lasers

Using a generalized version of Fermi's golden rule, collisional broadening is self-consistently implemented into ensemble Monte Carlo carrier transport simulations, and its effect on the transport and optical properties of terahertz quantum cascade lasers is investigated. The inclusion of broadening yields improved agreement with the experiment, without a significant increase of the numerical load. Specifically, this effect is crucial for a correct modeling at low biases. In the lasing regime, broadening can lead to significantly reduced optical gain and output power, affecting the obtained current-voltage characteristics.