Helicon and Alfvén wave propagation in non-magnetic semiconductors and semi-metals: Active and passive waves

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Abstract
It was pointed out in 1960 that metals and semiconductors can support low frequency electromagnetic excitations in the presence of a magnetic field. We now feel that it is an appropriate time to discuss some of the progress made, over the last decade, in understanding and using this novel phenomenon. Naturally the field has grown quite rapidly and it would clearly be a Herculean task to review every aspect of it in other than a superficial manner. We have therefore chosen to discuss only semiconductors and semi-metals. This choice is dictated to us partly by the fact that magneto-plasma effects in metals have been reviewed from time to time but mainly by the fact that magneto-plasma effects in semiconductors have never been previously reviewed. Of course the term ‘magneto-plasma’ covers a great deal of activity so we have decided to choose a theme which links the beginnings of the subject to the present day. This theme is that of helicon and Alfvén wave propagation. We have produced a background of theory against which the nature of helicon and Alfvén waves can be readily understood. This background theory can also be used as a starting point for investigations of other plasma effects beyond the scope of this review. Some considerable attention is paid to waves in active systems, i.e. systems possessing a pool of energy arising from the application of an external electric field. Such systems, while of basic physical interest, are also of technical interest from a solid-state device viewpoint. The possibility of transverse wave instabilities occurring in active systems is discussed and a review of the criteria for labelling the types of instability is presented. As an example of the use of these techniques we have attempted to correlate the high electric field microwave emission from indium antimonide with a helicon-based instability. The theoretical work is set in perspective by the inclusion of discussions of the experimental work in the appropriate areas. We have also included a brief review of experimental observations of microwave emission from indium antimonide and the proposed mechanisms, other than helicon instability, which may account for it.

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