Mesoscopic photovoltaic effect

Abstract

We have studied the response of mesoscopic conductors to microwave electric fields. This response is found to be nonlinear, with the generation of a dc voltage, ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{dc}}$, whose magnitude is proportional to the microwave power. This ‘‘photovoltaic’’ effect is sensitive to temperature, magnetic field, and the precise location of the scattering centers within the sample. Our results are generally in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions. However, the temperature dependence of ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{dc}}$ is somewhat weaker than expected, and in some samples the behavior of ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{dc}}$ in response to changes in the polarity of the magnetic field is not understood.