Photogalvanic current in a parabolic well
M. V. Entin+, L. I. Magarill+*
+Institute of Semiconductor Physics of SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
*Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
Abstract
We study the in-plane stationary photocurrent in a parabolic
potential well. The well has vertical asymmetry due to
inhomogeneous distribution of scatterers. The electric field of
light has both vertical and in-plane components. The photogalvanic effect
originates from the periodic vibration of electrons in a vertical direction
caused by the normal component of the alternating electric field with
simultaneous in-plane acceleration/deceleration by the in-plane component of
electric field. The problem is considered in classical approximation assuming
inhomogeneously-distributed friction. Photocurrent has a resonance
character. Resonance occurs at light frequencies close to a characteristic
well frequency. The effect of in-plane magnetic field is also studied.