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The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors

Publication ,  Journal Article
Teitsworth, SW
Published in: Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces
February 1, 1989

This paper reviews experimental and theoretical work carried out on space charge instabilities and temporal chaotic behavior in cooled extrinsic p-type Germanium photoconductors. Measured dc current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of these devices are strongly nonlinear for moderate electric fields ≧0.1 V/cm due to field dependence of the rates of free hole capture and impurity impact ionization. Below the threshold field for impurity breakdown, Ge samples behave like damped nonlinear oscillators, exhibiting characteristic chaotic response when driven by a time-periodic voltage. Above impurity breakdown, we observe voltage-controlled negative differential resistance (NDR) in the I-V curves accompanied by spontaneous current oscillations due to moving space charge domains with velocities 103 to 104 cm/s. Measurements are well explained by a simple rate equation model in which negative differential behavior in the impact ionization rate plays a crucial role. Related work on semiconductor chaos and possible future directions for research are also mentioned. © 1989 Springer-Verlag.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces

DOI

EISSN

1432-0630

ISSN

0721-7250

Publication Date

February 1, 1989

Volume

48

Issue

2

Start / End Page

127 / 136
 

Citation

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Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Teitsworth, S. W. (1989). The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors. Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces, 48(2), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01141274
Teitsworth, S. W. “The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors.” Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces 48, no. 2 (February 1, 1989): 127–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01141274.
Teitsworth SW. The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors. Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces. 1989 Feb 1;48(2):127–36.
Teitsworth, S. W. “The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors.” Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces, vol. 48, no. 2, Feb. 1989, pp. 127–36. Scopus, doi:10.1007/BF01141274.
Teitsworth SW. The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors. Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces. 1989 Feb 1;48(2):127–136.
Journal cover image

Published In

Applied Physics A Solids and Surfaces

DOI

EISSN

1432-0630

ISSN

0721-7250

Publication Date

February 1, 1989

Volume

48

Issue

2

Start / End Page

127 / 136