Plasma Instabilities in Quantum Well Structures at Low Current Densities.
Abstract
We have shown that the basic criterion for plasma instabilities is the resonant interaction of a plasmon emission mode with a plasmon absorption mode [1]. This leads to a prediction of strong plasma instabilities in the high current density regime in appropriately designed quantum well structures (QWS). Here we explore the possibility of a plasma instability at lower current densities by showing that an absorptive mode in a deep pocket region of a complex QWS can be matched by an emissive transition from the injected beam energy band into the continuum below. This leads to a locked-in plasma instability mode, relatively insensitive to bias. Scenarios for experimental verification will be discussed. This could lead to novel THz radiation sources. [1] P. Bakshi and K. Kempa, Condensed Matter Theories 12, 399 (1997). *Work supported by US ARO.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..MARA10006B