Recombination in Plastically Deformed Germanium

Lifetimes in plastically deformed $n$- and $p$-type germanium have been measured as a function of the amount of deformation and as a function of temperature. The results indicate that the dislocations have an electron capture radius of 3.4×${10}^{-8\mathrm{}}$ cm. The lifetime in high-purity crystals containing ${10}^3$ to ${10}^4$ dislocations per square centimeter may consequently be limited by recombination at dislocations.