A multiband theory of the dielectric response in a quasi-two dimensional (Q
2D) electron plasma of narrow-gap semiconductor structures in an external m
agnetic field has been developed. The strong interband mixing plays an esse
ntial role in the determination of the shape and behavior of the dielectric
response in narrow-band Q2D systems. We have used a full 8 x 8 k.p Hamilto
nian model to describe the Landau levels. A rigorous theoretical analysis s
hows, among other interesting features, that spin-flip-like intrasubband tr
ansitions are allowed and its effects on the related optical properties of
Q2D systems are investigated. The influence of the Landau level filling fac
tor on the dielectric response and the limit of integer and fractional fill
ing factors cases are discussed. We found that the occupation of Landau lev
els modulates the polarizability strength of the plasma. (C) 2001 American
Institute of Physics.