Non-linear Magnetoresistance Oscillations in Intensely Irradiated Two-Dimensional Electron Systems Induced by Multi-Photon Processes

We report on magneto-oscillations in differential resistivity of a two-dimensional electron system subject to intense microwave radiation. The period of these oscillations is determined not only by microwave frequency but also by its intensity. A theoretical model based on quantum kinetics at high microwave power captures all important characteristics of this phenomenon which is strongly nonlinear in microwave intensity. Our results demonstrate a crucial role of the multi-photon processes near the cyclotron resonance and its harmonics in the presence of strong dc electric field and offer a unique way to reliably determine the intensity of microwaves acting on electrons.

M. Khodas, H.-S. Chiang, A. T. Hatke, M. A. Zudov, M. G. Vavilov, L. N. Pfeiffer, K. W. West · 2009