Non-linear interaction of space charge waves in GaAs semiconductor

Abstract

This report deals with the non-linear effects on space charge waves (with phase velocity equal to the electron drift velocity) in GaAs semiconductors. If an external electric field is applied, at the critical field value E/sub crit/, the mobility changes its sign and becomes negative, as a result, there are obtained nonlinear and linear instabilities of the interactions at fields E/spl ges/E/sub crit/. Under these conditions, the electron velocity is a function of the electric field given by E=E/sub 0/+E/spl tilde/, where E/sub o/ is the constant part and E/spl tilde/ is the variable part. The simulation of the nonlinear interaction of space charge waves in the GaAs semiconductor is made considering both the Maxwell's equations and the velocity function.