Quantum theory of infrared absorption in a grating-coupled two-dimensional electron gas

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A calculation of the experimentally measurable transmission coefficient for infrared light through a planar grating and the underlying two-dimensional electron gas is carried out using classical electrodynamics and quantum-mechanical linear-response theory. Si inversion layer and GaAs heterostructure systems are studied, both with and without an external magnetic field. We find the difference between the classical Drude and the quantum-mechanical results to be rather small for currently accessible grating spacings. We discuss the effect of a finite relaxation time on the transmission spectra and the higher-harmonic magnetoplasmon resonances in the presence of a magnetic field.