The Oscillistor—New Type of Semiconductor Oscillator

Abstract

A new magneto-oscillatory effect has been observed in the electron-hole plasma within a semiconductor. The plasma can be produced by such agents as contact injection and optical or thermal excitation of minority carriers. When the semiconductor specimen is subjected to an electric field (through suitable contacts) and a magnetic field, current oscillations can be detected across a series load resistance. This device has been termed the oscillistor to suggest a semiconductor oscillator. The experiments suggest that the oscillistor mechanism involves a magnetically induced interaction of the bulk plasma of electrons and holes with the exposed free surface areas of the specimen.