Magnetic-Field Dependence of the Acoustoelectric Effect

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Abstract
A self‐consistent, semiclassical treatment is given for the acoustoelectric effect based on the Cohen‐Harrison‐Harrison formalism for the ultrasonic attenuation in metals. The calculation is carried out for a simple model in which a sound wave feeds dc crystal momentum into the quasi‐free electron system by exerting an oscillating Lorentz force and a deformation‐potential force. Emphasis is placed upon the feed back of crystal momentum into the sound wave due to the collision‐drag effect and upon the magnetic‐field dependence of the acoustoelectric effect. A general relation (the Weinreich formula) between the attenuation of sound and the rate of increase of dc crystal momentum of electrons holds for each interaction of electrons with sound waves. In principle, all characteristic features of the magnetoattenuation of sound such as geometric resonances, cyclotron resonances, etc. can be expected in the acoustoelectric effect. The possibility of this experimental detection is also discussed.

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