Alfvén Wave Propagation in Bismuth: Quantum Oscillations of the Fermi Surface

Alfvén wave propagation in single crystal bismuth has been studied as a function of magnetic field to 105 kilogauss for frequencies between 13 and 18 kMc/sec. Small deviations from a linear dependence of wave velocity on magnetic field are found and are interpreted as quantum oscillations in the mass density of carriers. Theory and experiment are compared for the magnetic field along a bisectrix axis and along a two-fold axis. Good agreement is found for the first case, but significant discrepancies exist for the magnetic field along a two-fold axis.