High Field Transport Phenomena in n-InSb at High Temperatures

Abstract

Earlier theories of transport phenomena in n-InSb have been extended to include medium-high electron concentrations at high lattice temperatures (300° to 500°K) in presence of high electric fields. Polar optical mode of electron-phonon scattering has been considered to be the sole mechanism of electron scattering at these temperatures. The steady state electron distribution function has been chosen to be the Fermi-Dirac distribution function appropriate to the effective electron temperature which is determined by the energy balance condition. Nonparabolicity of the conduction band has been taken care of by the Kane’s model. It is seen that the effective electron temperature is not far above the lattice temperature even at the highest attainable fields and that the Galvano-thermo-magnetic transport coefficients do not exhibit any marked dependence on the strength of electric field under the present conditions. Some limitations and approximations have also been mentioned.