Noise Emission from Indium Antimonide

Abstract

We have arrived at a new explanation for the noise emission radiated from InSb when an electric field is applied to it in the presence of a magnetic field. Our theory is based on the existence of localized high electric field regions at the contacts or corners of the sample. These high field regions cause local electron avalanche; the resulting electron-hole plasma appears to be the source of the noise emission. Our probe measurements of the dc and rf potentials and measurements of bandgap light radiation due to avalanching are in good agreement with the theory. The theory is also in agreement with experimental results on noise emission in the literature.