High field domains in n-PbTe at 80 K

In contrast to earlier publications our measurements show, that travelling high field domains are responsible for the electric instability in n-type PbTe at 80 K (V_d = 2?3 × 10⁷ cm/sec). A transverse magnetic field lowers the threshold field strength of this instability. This effect is attributed to the Hall field shorting at the cathode, which causes a higher local electric field at opposite corners of the sample.