SELF-MODULATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC-RADIATION AND SOLITON GENERATION IN NARROW-GAP SEMICONDUCTOR PLASMA

The modulation instability of electromagnetic radiation propagating in narrow gap semiconductor plasma is considered. In a dense n-doped InS b semiconductor plasma instability can develop in picosecond time scal e for field intensities E approximate to Y 1.6 X 10(5) V/cm. The numer ical simulations confirm the analytical predictions that a modulated l ocalized long pulse splits into a chain of solitons. Possible applicat ions of this effect to generate short picosecond pulses and the dynami cal light-grating of semiconductors at midinfrared wavelengths are sug gested.