2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/17498The first global simulation of semiconductor-based quantum-cascade lasers is presented; Our fully three-dimensional approach allows to study in a purely microscopic way -without resorting to phenomenological parameters- the current-voltage characteristics of state-of-the-art unipolar nanostructures. Based on the proposed theoretical scheme, we are able to give a definite answer to the long-standing controversial question: is charge transport in quantum-cascade lasers mainly coherent or incoherent? Our analysis clearly shows that a proper inclusion of carrier-phonon as well as carrier-carrier scattering within a semiclassical framework gives excellent agreement with experimental results.4 pages, 3 figuresMaterials ScienceAre Quantum-Cascade Lasers really quantum?text