The magnetoplasma effect in single crystals of antimony at T >= 80 K

Transmission spectra of infrared laser radiation (lambda = 10.6 mu m) passe d through samples consisting of two symmetric halves of an antimony single crystal separated by a small gap are investigated in pulsed magnetic fields B less than or equal to 20 T at temperatures T greater than or equal to 80 K. The magnetoplasma effect was observed for the magnetic induction B appr oximate to 15 T, with change in the transmission close to 100%. The magneto plasma relaxation time has been determined. The possibility of using such o bjects as IR optical valves with response time not worse than 10(-4) s is d emonstrated. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7826(98)00611-5 ].