Effect of coherent electromagnetic radiation on the ultrafast electron dynamics of laser excited bulk photoconductors

Abstract

We analyze the role of coherent terahertz radiation on the ultrafast electron dynamics of laser excited photoconductors. Generation of electromagnetic radiation is included within the framework of the usual hot carrier transport theory. A Monte Carlo scheme is used to study the resulting changes in the nonequilibrium electronic energy and transient drift velocity. Our results reveal a density dependent decrease in both quantities, due to reductions in the internal electric fields caused by radiative energy outflow. At densities above 2×1017 cm−3, we obtain a decrease in the transient velocity and expect delays in the onset of phonon emission.