Surface-acoustic-wave-induced space-charge waves in electron–hole systems

Abstract Space-charge waves in an electron–hole system are studied, which are excited by a moving grating provided by a surface acoustic wave (SAW). The SAW induces a constant current that may change its sign, when a constant electric field is applied opposite to the wave propagation direction. Current resonances are predicted to appear, when the SAW wavelength and frequency match the ones of the space-charge wave.