Observation of Electron-Hole Liquid in GaP

Abstract

Luminescence spectra of high-purity GaP at high pump intensity demonstrate the existence of an electron-hole-liquid phase. Line-shape analysis yields ${n}_{0}=6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ for the liquid density and ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}=14$ meV for the liquid binding energy in agreement with theoretical values. The liquid critical temperature is estimated to be ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\simeq}40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K.