Highly nonlinear interactions in n-type InSb with a picosecond CO2laser

The electron-hole plasma generation mechanism in n-type InSb was studied with picosecond CO
2
laser pulses. It was found that at very high intensities the electron ionization can be adequately described by a tunneling mechanism. The relevance of the present study to the understanding of laser-matter interaction at high intensities and the laser-induced damage process in semiconductors are discussed.