Linearly polarized terahertz radiation in uniaxially deformed Ge(Ga) upon the electric breakdown of an impurity.

Abstract

The polarization spectra of spontaneous terahertz radiation in uniaxially deformed germanium have been measured upon the electric breakdown of shallow acceptors. Lines with various degrees of polarization with respect to the compression axis have been observed in the radiation spectrum. These lines are associated with the optical transitions of holes between the excited and ground states of the acceptor, as well as with the transitions of holes from the valence band to the ground state of the impurity. At a pressure of about 3 ± 0.3 kbar in the [111] direction near the impurity breakdown, the linear polarization degree reaches ∼80–90% in the main lines of terahertz radiation. As the electric field intensity increases, the depolarization of radiation is observed, which is caused by the heating of nonequilibrium holes by the electric field.