Microwave-induced magnetotransport phenomena in two-dimensional electron systems: Importance of electrodynamic effects

We discuss possible origins of recently discovered microwave induced photoresistance oscillations in very-high-electron-mobility two-dimensional electron systems. We show that electrodynamic effects—the radiative decay, plasma oscillations, and retardation effects—are important under the experimental conditions, and that their inclusion in the theory is essential for understanding the discussed and related microwave induced magnetotransport phenomena.

Figure 1

Electron distribution function (12) at different microwave power levels. The upper characteristic point on the energy axis (where $F$ approaches zero) corresponds to $E={\left(\sqrt{E_F}+\sqrt{U}\right)}^2$. The lower point (where $F$ approaches unity at $U<E_F$ and zero at $U>E_F$) corresponds to $E={\left(\sqrt{E_F}-\sqrt{U}\right)}^2$.

Figure 2

Absorption spectrum of a $2\mathrm{D}$ wire with the width $W$ at different values of the retardation parameter $\alpha$.