Theory of space-charge waves in semiconductors with negative differential conductivity

Phenomena that accompany optical excitation of eigenmodes of electron gas oscillation in semiconductors with an N-shaped current-voltage (I-U) characteristic in a strong electric field are investigated theoretically. The dependence of the current flowing through a sample on the oscillation frequency of the interference pattern of light illuminating the sample is analyzed. Nonsteady-state and nonuniform illumination produces an internal electric field, which interacts resonantly with the eigenmodes when the oscillation frequency of the interference pattern coincides with an eigenfrequency of electronic gas oscillation. As the maximum of the I-U curve is approached, the interaction becomes nonlinear in character.