Impact ionization in balance equation theory

Abstract

We present a theoretical investigation of electron impact ionization processes under a high electric field within the framework of the Lei-Ting balance equation approach in the case where the hole gas is approximately in thermal equilibrium. An expression for the impact ionization coefficient for an arbitrary conduction band is obtained. As an example, the impact ionization coefficient of bulk InSb is calculated in the approximation of a parabolic conduction band and the result is compared with existing experimental data.