Plasma instabilities in a steady-state nonequilibrium one-dimensional solid-state plasma of finite length

We show theoretically that strong plasma mode generation is possible in a nonequilibrium steady-state quasi-one-dimensional bounded solid-state plasma, in which a nonequilibrium distribution is maintained by appropriate injection/extraction of carriers. We calculate the density response of realistic model systems using the random-phase approximation, determine the normal modes of the bounded carrier plasma, and show that strong plasma instabilities can be generated under suitable conditions. Such stimulated plasma oscillations could lead to sources of terahertz electromagnetic radiation. {} 1996 The American Physical Society.